Outwitting the Devil

It takes courage, sensitivity and empathy to delve into tragic tales of the past and endeavor to give them a voice again. Akram Khan has a reputation for provocative choreography that pushes the boundaries of not only endurance, but the human spirit. His latest work, Outwitting the Devil is inspired by a fragment of the 12 broken clay tablets, which together make up one of the world’s oldest works of literature, the ancient Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh.

Artistic director and choreographer Khan explains, “As I get older…I have learned to dance my ideas through the bodies of others…”

Outwitting the Devil is a tragic myth that deals with betrayal, mortality, grief and strength.

A dimly lit stage, designed by Tom Scutt, is eerie. At first it is hard to see the images present. We are to imagine the Cedar Forest; upstage and either side are an assortment of clay tablets and a space in the centre for the performers to weave their magic.

Vincenzo Lamagna has produced an original music score that holds the intensity for the duration of the performance. It is loud and shocks you with its power.

The cast are from all corners of the globe: Ching-Ying Chien (Taiwan), Dominique Petit (France), Mythili Prakash (USA), Sam Asa Pratt (USA), James Vu Anh Pham (Australia) and Jasper Narvaez (Philippines). Khan has assembled incredibly talented performers. Experience and passion for their art is evident.

Strong bodies illuminate the tragedy that unfolds. Precise and at times manic choreography leaves one’s heart racing. The pain pours from the stage and the desperation can be seen on the dancers’ faces. Bodies contort in an unnatural way and when performers come together it is as if you are witnessing one entity. The intensity is striking and although I was rigid in my seat, I was exhausted.

There is no doubt that Khan’s reputation as a storyteller is warranted. Most of his work is rooted in Kathak, one of 8 forms of Indian classical dance. This influence can be seen in the single-note choreography. The expression is shown from the face through to the fingertips.

This is a spell-binding piece of theatre/dance. Khan travels his work regularly and I recommend going along…you will not be disappointed.

Kerry Cooper

Photographer: Jean Louis Fernandez