Akram Khan Company Jungle Book reimagined
Play Trailer
A magical dance-theatre retelling of Kipling’s classic set against the backdrop of the climate crisis.
In a near future world, a family is torn apart as they escape their homeland ravaged by the impact of climate change. Arriving alone in a deserted modern city, and with wild animals claiming the streets as their own, the child soon discovers unlikely allies in this strange new jungle.
In Akram Khan’s new dance-theatre production based on the original story of Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved family classic, Akram and his team reinvent the journey of Mowgli through the eyes of a climate refugee.
Featuring an original score, ten international dancers and state-of-the-art animation and visuals, Jungle Book reimagined is a beautifully compelling and vital piece of storytelling about our intrinsic need to belong and bond with others, and placing the importance of connecting with and respecting our natural world at its heart.
Jungle Book reimagined brings together a stellar creative team, with script by Tariq Jordan, dramaturgy by Sharon Clark, an original score by Jocelyn Pook, sound design comes from Gareth Fry and lighting by Michael Hulls. Transforming the stage into a magical world, diving into the myths of today, is Miriam Buether with visual stage design, whilst video design and animation comes from YeastCulture.
Read the Synopsis & Freesheet.
[Image description] Bathed in lush green light, six dancers arch backwards, legs in a wide stride, bare muscular arms raised overhead and fists clenched. They wear orange sleeveless tops in the style of life jackets and softly draped leggings.
Header image © Ambra Vernuccio
Free Family Activities on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th April
Come along and join us for some family fun before the show begins!
Join us on the Mezzanine level before the show on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 April for a host of activities, there’s something for all the family to enjoy.
Please note the timing of the activities:
12pm – Theatre opens.
12.30pm – 1pm – First movement workshop in the Rosebery Room
1.10pm – 1.40pm – Second movement workshop in the Rosebery Room
2pm – Show starts. Enjoy!
Movement workshops are open to all levels and abilities. There is a maximum capacity of 25 people in each workshop, so we recommend getting there early to guarantee participation and avoid disappointment!
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. What would you want to say if you were writing a letter or drawing a picture to the future planet? Join in on the Mezzanine Level to write your own letter or paint a cardboard climate protest sign to support change in respecting the future of our planet.
Just as Akram Khan Company dancers move around the stage like animals claiming the streets as their own, you can take part in movement workshops where you embody the animal characters of Jungle Book reimagined. Led by Akram Khan Company dancers and open to all levels, you are invited to transform Sadler’s Wells Rosebery Room into your own animal kingdom using cardboard boxes.
There will be a Chill-Out Space available on the Mezzanine Level if you would prefer a quiet moment away from the activity.
★★★★ THE SCOTSMAN
★★★★ THE HERALD
SEEING DANCE
Play trailer
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Performances
Age 16 - 30?
See the best dance in the world for £10 with Barclays Dance Pass at Sadler’s Wells.