Direction & Adaptation: Sue Buckmaster
Returning to Zagreb, the Akram Khan Company brings one of its most beloved and acclaimed productions – Chotto Desh. Adapted by director Sue Buckmaster from the original solo performance Desh, which won the prestigious Olivier Award in 2015, this production offers an inspiring story about a boy trying to find his place in the world.
The piece explores fundamental questions: How do we find our place in the world? Where do we belong? What do we truly want to become? This new reincarnation of Chotto Desh is intended to inspire a new generation of theatre and dance lovers, from ages 7 to 77 and beyond.
Chotto Desh is an emotionally engaging, almost autobiographical tale of a boy whose dreams and memories stretch from his childhood in Bangladesh to his coming-of-age in the UK. The story unfolds between stage and screen, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and our capacity to navigate the chaos of modern life – from sirens and mobile ringtones to inner doubts.
Blending classical Indian Kathak dance with contemporary movement, compelling storytelling, dreamlike animation, and rich visuals, this spectacular production captivates both young and adult audiences alike, creating a truly family-friendly theatrical experience.
Chotto Desh means “small homeland” – a charming fusion of dance and storytelling. With its playfulness, expressive clarity, and accessibility, the show captures the imagination of every viewer, especially those seeking a moment of escape from the fast-paced rhythm of modern life. Khan’s dance style bridges cultures and resonates with audiences of all ages.
For over 23 years, Akram Khan Company has been one of the world’s most innovative dance ensembles. Akram Khan has received numerous international awards, including the Olivier Award in 2012 for his solo performance Desh. The company’s repertoire ranges from Kathak to contemporary styles, and increasingly features collaborations with other artists and dance companies worldwide.
Creative team and performers:
- Artistic Direction & Choreography: Akram Khan
- Direction & Adaptation: Sue Buckmaster (Theatre-Rites)
- Music: Jocelyn Pook
- Lighting Design: Guy Hoare
- Story: Karthika Naïr and Akram Khan
- Grandmother’s tale adapted from The Honey Hunter by Karthika Naïr, Sue Buckmaster & Akram Khan
- Choreographic Assistant: Jose Agudo
- Assistant Choreographers: Dennis Alamanos, Amy Butler, Nico Monaco
- Voice of Grandmother: Leesa Gazi
- Voice of Jui: Sreya Andrisha Gazi
- Dancers: Jasper Narvaez, Nico Ricchini
- Original Visual Design: Tim Yip
- Animation: YeastCulture
- Costume Design: Kimie Nakano
- Sound Technician: Steve Parr
- Painted mask design: Damien Jalet and Akram Khan
- Lyrics for “Bleeding Soles”: Leesa Gazi
- Singers: Melanie Pappenheim, Sohini Alam, Jocelyn Pook (voice/viola/piano), Tanja Tzarovska, Jeremy Schonfield
Special thanks to the original Desh creative team for making this remarkable production possible.
Co-produced by: MAC, Belfast
Original financial support and commissioning partners: MOKO Dance, Akram Khan Company, Sadler’s Wells London, DanceEast, Théâtre de la Ville Paris, Mercat de les Flors Barcelona, Biennale de la danse de Lyon 2016, and Stratford Circus Arts Centre.
