In a triumphant return to the London stage, Akram Khan presents 'Thikra,' a profoundly moving exploration of memory that left audiences spellbound at Sadler's Wells. The work, subtitled 'Night of Remembering,' serves as both a personal reflection and universal meditation on how we preserve and process collective experience.
A Master Choreographer's Return
Following his acclaimed final solo performance in 'Xenos' in 2018, Khan has shifted focus to ensemble work, demonstrating his evolving artistic vision. 'Thikra' represents some of his most sophisticated choreography to date, blending his signature Kathak training with contemporary movement vocabulary to create something entirely fresh yet unmistakably Khan.
Staging Memory Through Movement
The production unfolds as a series of memory fragments, with dancers moving through different emotional states that mirror how recollection works - sometimes sharp and clear, other times fragmented and elusive. The ensemble work is particularly striking, with bodies intertwining and separating in patterns that suggest both community and isolation.
The visual landscape of 'Thikra' is equally compelling, featuring innovative lighting that carves the stage into zones of memory and forgetting. Set design elements appear and disappear, much like memories themselves, while the soundscape weaves together traditional instrumentation with contemporary compositions.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Response
Opening night received a standing ovation, with many noting the work's timely exploration of how societies remember and what they choose to forget. The emotional resonance of the piece lingered long after the final curtain, with audience members describing it as 'unforgettable' and 'transformative.'
Critics have praised the technical precision of the Akram Khan Company dancers, who execute challenging choreography with both power and delicate sensitivity. The work demonstrates Khan's continued ability to push the boundaries of contemporary dance while maintaining deep roots in his cultural heritage.
'Thikra' continues at Sadler's Wells through November 8th, offering London audiences a rare opportunity to witness one of Britain's most important choreographers at the height of his creative powers.
