Akram Khan, DESH at Sadler's Wells

Akram Khan has established himself as a genre-crossing innovator in movement and rhythm, crafting creative choreography for contemporary and classical dance companies alike.

Trained in the north Indian dance form of Kathak, Khan has invented his own idiosyncratic style, shaped by the wealth of influences he has encountered in his career.

Khan, whose parents were born in Bangladesh, is perhaps most widely known for devising a segment of the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, re-imagining Giselle for English National Ballet, and a series of poignant, new pieces created for his own internationally-recognised company, one that bears his name.

Grand ensemble triumphs aside, Khan is a spellbinding soloist in his own right, and London dance fans are in for a terpsichorean treat when he brings DESH back to Sadler’s Wells, where it was first performed in 2011 – winning Khan an Olivier Award in 2012.

DESH is essentially a journey inspired by the birthplace of Khan’s parents. A full-length contemporary solo, it takes its name from the Bengali word for “homeland”.

The immersive production transports audiences to the realms of myth and memory. Filling the stage with his bold presence, Khan embodies a series of compelling tales from Britain and Bangladesh.

As he moves through an almost dreamlike deluge of settings and scenarios, Khan endeavours to understand where his parents came from and, accordingly, make sense of himself.

DESH is a surreal take on home and heritage, overflowing with the visceral narrative intent that has become Khan’s trademark. It also combines the considerable talents of visual artist Tim Yip, lighting designer Michael Hulls, writer and poet Karthika Nair, composer Jocelyn Pook and slam poet PolarBear.

The coming performances will be the fourth incarnation of DESH at Sadler’s Wells, and tickets are expected to sell quickly for its much-anticipated return. Don’t miss out.