Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

London premiere of epic dance work 'Samsara' comes to Sadler's Wells in October

‘Samsara’ is a collaboration between Aakash Odedra and Hu Shenyuan, two of the world's finest exponents of dance from India and China, respectively.

London premiere of epic dance work 'Samsara' comes to Sadler's Wells in October

Aakash Odedra Company’s epic new dance work 'Samsara' was recently premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival to a host of 5-star reviews and now the work, which speaks a powerful story of cultural exchange and shared philosophy, is set to have its London premiere at Sadler’s Wells Theatre on October 17 and 18, marking the Leicester-based company’s debut there.

'Samsara' -- a Sanskrit word for the cycle of birth, death and rebirth -- is a collaboration between Aakash Odedra and Hu Shenyuan, two of the world’s finest exponents of dance from their countries of origin, India and China, respectively. It is commissioned by Bagri Foundation, a UK registered charity.


It takes as its starting point Wu Cheng'en’s 16th-century Chinese novel ‘Journey to the West’, one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature.

It goes on to the story of the legendary pilgrimage to India undertaken by the monk, Xuanzang, returning to China with the central tracts of Buddhist philosophy. Many monks followed in Xuanzang’s footsteps and their journeys were both literal and metaphorical, physical and spiritual.

'Samsara' takes place in a desert landscape peopled with eerie human statues, created by the set designer, Tina Tzoka. Yaron Abulafia’s lighting conjures a mythic world which the two dancers, Odedra and Shenyuan, enter and explore.

Eventually, they come together in a series of exquisitely-patterned virtuoso duets of challenge, reflection and exchange.

Mongolian throat singing and traditional Chinese percussion are part of the powerful score, specially commissioned from Odedra’s regular collaborator, Nicki Wells.

'Samsara' is directed by Odedra and the dramaturgy is by Lou Cope.

Odedra has attracted global attention for his virtuoso Kathak performances and his contemporary choreography.

One of the outstanding dancers of his generation in China, Hu was the standout performer in Yang Liping’s ‘Under Siege’ in 2016 - when Odedra first saw him and decided to work with him.

The pair met in Shanghai in 2017 and, with no mutual spoken language, went on to create 'Samsara' together.

'Samsara' has been made possible by the generous support of the Bagri Foundation, a family foundation dedicated to promoting the arts and culture of Asia.

Aiming to challenge, engage and inspire, it gives artistes and experts from across Asia, or those inspired by the continent, wider visibility on the global stage and supports a diverse programme of film, visual arts, music, dance, literature, courses and lectures.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less