Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Akram Khan presents new dance-theatre production Jungle Book reimagined at Sadler’s Wells on Tuesday 4 – Saturday 15 April.
Based on Rudyard Kipling’s family classic, Khan and his team reinvent the journey of Mowgli through the eyes of a climate refugee, the show premiered at Leicester’s Curve Theatre in April 2022.
Featuring an original score by award-winning composer and musician Jocelyn Pook, ten international dancers and state-of-the-art animation and visuals by YeastCulture, Jungle Book reimagined tells a story about our intrinsic need to belong and bond with others, placing respect for our natural world at its heart. The show is set in a deserted city which has been reclaimed by nature.
Sustainability has been a key focus for the creative team. The world on stage is brought to life through YeastCulture’s animation and projection by Adam Smith and Nick Hillel, allowing the company to tour more sustainably with minimal sets. YeastCulture uses innovative ways to connect the stage, video and the screen into one integrated audience experience, they previously worked with Khan on the animation for DESH.
The physical set has also been designed with sustainability in mind, made of cardboard boxes, of which some are provided by each tour venue. Visual stage design is by award-winning stage designer Miriam Buether.
The script, delivered in voiceover, is by writer and actor Tariq Jordan and dramaturgy is by Sharon Clark, Creative Director of theatre company Raucous. Sound design comes from multi award-winning Gareth Fry and lighting is by long-time collaborator and Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Michael Hulls.
On Friday 7 & Saturday 8 April Family Wraparound Activities will take place on the Mezzanine Level – Free for ticket holders
Before the performance audiences can take part in family friendly activities inspired by the show.
Jungle Book reimagined is a letter to the future, a warning of the world we could pass on to future generations if we don’t change the way humans live alongside nature. Audiences can take part in writing their own letters to the future.
Audiences can try out movement workshops led by Akram Khan Company dancers to learn how to embody the animal characters of the production, open to all levels. Participants can also transform the Rosebery Room into their own animal kingdom using cardboard boxes as in the show.
There will be the opportunity to make shadow puppets inspired by the video design and animation by YeastCulture and the visual stage design by Miriam Buether.
There will be a Chill-Out Space available on the Mezzanine Level.
There will also be a family friendly food offer in the Fox Garden Court cafe.
On Thursday 6 April at 6:15 pm there will be a Choreographic Conversation between Akram Khan and Sir Alistair Spalding to discuss his productions and his career on Thursday 6 April at 6:15 pm in the Rosebery Room. This talk will be BSL interpreted.
