Chotto Desh

for a previous production "An autobiographical memoir fashioned out of choreographer Akram Khan’s own childhood with an honesty that is unvarnished, affecting and thoroughly engaging...The whole piece is imaginatively designed and staged, Khan’s movement vocabulary, with its bravura Kathak spins and springing footwork is thrillingly realized by Alamanos to beguiling music by Jocelyn Pook. A delight for adults and children alike." Full Review

for a previous production "This production brings together dance, storytelling, projection and music to create a magical tale of discovery, heritage and identity. The lush visuals and score provide a backdrop for the athletic and precise choreography in a fusion of the classical Kathak and modern dance techniques. Superbly executed, this is a fantastic introduction to the magic of theatre and dance and, even when the narrative was less obvious, the younger members of the audience remained entranced." Full Review

for a previous production "With a Filipino mother and Bangladeshi father, yet influenced by dance routines from America, Khan begins to put all the pieces together and create his own style. All of this is conveyed through a mixture of choreography, spoken text and animation, cleverly re-shaped by director Sue Buckmaster...The animation scene, inspired by an old myth, is utterly captivating, and a sequence about conflict, beautifully scored by composer Jocelyn Pook, is deeply moving. An absolute triumph." Full Review

for a previous production "Using a mixture of styles and storytelling, Khan demystifies the art of dance, and at the same time provides a rich tapestried picture of the many tangled influences that come together to make up an artist...Themes of the conflict between parental ideals and childhood freedom float along in the background, never intruding on the simplicity of the story but there as another layer...A bewitching dance-theatre tale of a young man’s dreams and memories from Britain to Bangladesh." Full Review

for a previous production "The perfect blend of dance, clever animation and simple storytelling set to the beat of an original soundtrack...There is such fluidity with the whole performance which also aids little ones understanding and there is a perfect scattering of humour...'Chotto Desh' is the perfect mix of storytelling and dance, loaded with innocence and affection, making it fitting for young minds...Thrilling, poignant and brilliant." Full Review

for a previous production "Here is a bona fide great piece of dance, clearly within the expectations of its dance audience with resonances that go deep beneath its surface moves – yet as a piece of dance for children and their families it allows the festival to explicitly programme for that audience...The storytelling is clear and energetic...Fun and spontaneity are sprinkled across the show. But all the while there is acknowledgment of the deeper element at work, in the complex bonds between father and son." Full Review

for a previous production "Re-created with Theatre-Rites in a version aimed at children and their families, 'Chotto Desh’ takes on a more magical quality, full of fun, discovery and imagination...This is a perfect introduction to dance for kids. A chance to see quality work by a world-class company, Chotto Desh is short and playful, yet serious in intent. It is wonderfully performed by Alamanos, and has a spell-binding effect on the audience as each wonderful new chapter enfolds." Full Review

for a previous production "A charming, witty and dynamic one-man show that explores Khan's childhood and origins...Alamanos executes 'Chotto Desh's' choreography—Khan's signature blend of contemporary and traditional Indian kathak—to perfection...Its fusion of dance, music, comedy and magical effects make 'Chotto Desh' a unique and memorable family show—and one that will hopefully inspire the next generation of dancers." Full Review