Akram Khan Company – Outwitting the Devil

A new piece by Akram Khan that explores the Epic of Gilgamesh. Don't miss Outwitting the Devil this autumn!

Get Outwitting the Devil Tickets and Experience a New Era of Dance Theatre

Perhaps the oldest form of performing arts, dance has been an integral part of human civilization since its dawn. From cavemen around an open fire pit to please the forces of nature to the romantic ballroom duet, and further to bone-jarring acrobatics of contemporary hip-hop and b-boying—the art form has come a long way. Even today, every country and region worldwide nurture a variety of dance forms close to their traditions, cultures, and, most importantly, passion. However, maestros and visionaries practising the art have redefined and revitalized it over time, gifting the patrons of the performing art form new flavours time and again.

In today’s time, Akram Khan Company is such a name in the field of dance. The company, led by the legendary dancer Akram Khan, has been experimenting with classical and contemporary styles and thus, has developed a new genre of dance theatre that has been widely accoladed worldwide. The esteemed dancer with Bangladeshi origins has a long connection with classical dance through his Kathak training, a traditional dance form originating in India. Further, he developed his own style, infusing contemporary dance and acrobatics elements in signature Indian classical, and ushered in a new era in the space of English dance theatre. If you are an ardent lover of dance and wish to witness this path-breaking new style, then get your Outwitting the Devil tickets today. The latest production of Akram Khan Company will premiere in London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre this autumn. 

Based on a Babylonian Epic

Outwitting the Devil tickets will take you to the ancient land of Babylonia. In his powerful opus, Akram Khan explores the ancient paganistic traditions and rituals through a marvellous combination of Indian kathak and contemporary dance style.

Akram’s latest company production is based on the fragments of Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest surviving literary works in the world. The story, as intriguing as the title itself, portrays the epic journey of the Babylonian king Gilgamesh, as he enters an apocalyptic war with vengeful gods. The ancient deities punished Gilgamesh for destroying the mythical cedar forest and killing the forest guards. As the young king endures the wrath of gods, he faces the insignificance of human life and the brutal truth of death. Eventually, he perished into oblivion, leaving his story as a mere fragment of human memory.

A Powerful Ensemble and a Powerful Narrative

Outwitting the Devil tickets is your chance to witness the craft of dance theatre at its finest. It allows you to watch international dance maestros like Mythili Prakash, Jasper Narvaez, François Testory, and others live on stage. Akram Khan, the Olivier Award-winner dancer and composer, will himself perform in this epic saga. In addition, he has also collaborated with composer Vincenzo Lamagna, dramaturg Ruth Little, costume designer Kimie Nakano, visual designer Tom Scutt, and lighting designer Aideen Malone to bring the epic to life.