Review: Akram Khan’s JUNGLE BOOK REIMAGINED, Curve Leicester
Photo credit: Ambra Vernuccio
Diving into retelling Rudyard Kipling’s classic through astounding dance-theatre results in something incredibly special in Akram Khan’s world premiere of Jungle Book Reimagined. Khan has developed a specific version that is very much his own interpretation of the original, with a much deeper message that reflects issues in today's world. This new production has a way of showcasing human’s lack of consideration for their world and the animals they inhabit alongside.
The animals in this piece play a vital part in making humans aware of the permanent damage they will do if they continue to live in this way.
The result of displaying this subject matter through dance-theatre is an astounding production that you will not forget.
At the centre of a planet in utter chaos is a young girl who is dragged away by the rising tides when she tries desperately to rescue a bird. Society as we know it does not exist and like thousands of others, she is ripped from her family. With some help, she washes up on shore where she is found by a pack of wolves. They’ve marked their territory in the libraries, cathedrals, and buildings of the places humans used to inhabit. The wolves take the girl, which they name Mowgli, to the animal council for help. Leader Akela wants to ensure Mowgli has worth in their home in order for her to survive in this new world she has stepped foot on.
She is cared for by familiar characters, panther, Bagheera, and bear Baloo. Mowgli tries to prove her worth by discovering food for her new "family". But this story is about Mowgli continuing to navigate her place in this new world as a result of them forging an uneasy alliance in order to stand against humans.
There is a narrated script in this piece and it is delivered over the dance as an audio recording. This simplistic tool feeds over the movement well - it helps the narrative quite significantly and doesn’t distort the audience from what is happening. A use of radio adds weight to the message Khan is delivering with this piece. The most powerful element of The Jungle Book Reimagined comes in the form of the non-physical set that Akram Khan has developed. The outstanding use of technology, projections, and film (Miriam Buether, Adam Smith, and Nick Hillel), is jaw-droppingly stunning. The dancers work in complete harmony with the technical elements and it emphasizes the beautiful, bold movement style that Khan creates in great fashion. There is one poignant moment when we see the world’s largest land animal grace the screen, a moment that will long stick in my mind.
It’s the athletic 10 dancers who are the storytellers in this piece. Their movements clearly differentiate between different animals and their characteristics. They do an amazing job at embodying their characters, the animalistic movements go through to the fingertips. One question I had was surrounding the dancers wearing largely the same costumes and whether this was a discussion around animals having a fair place? The level of detail is astounding and their energy is really infectious as a completed piece. It’s definitely the best Akram Khan piece I have seen!
Jungle Book Reimagined uses dance-theatre to send an important message. It does something more than what a TV programme or book can do. In a time when conversation surrounding climate change is vital, Khan has delivered an education.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Emmie Newitt
Jungle Book Reimagined plays at Curve Leicester until 9 April, with tickets available here, before visiting Birmingham and touring Europe.
