1 week Ago
A CAST of more than 70 performers from Bradford communities, aged eight to 79, will be taking to the Alhambra Theatre stage in an ambitious production exploring “what it means to belong”. Memories of the Future - a collaboration between Bradford-based Dance United Company and Akram Khan Company - will be performed by participants from six community groups who are rehearsing at weekly sessions. The dance project involves people of all ages A key project for Bradford’s City of Culture programme, the hour-long piece of dance theatre will have its premiere at the Alhambra in July.
The cast is made up of people from a range of backgrounds and ages, mostly non-professionals, with various abilities and needs. Directed by Helen Linsell and Akram Khan, artistic directors of Dance United Yorkshire and Akram Khan Company, the production is inspired by the themes of Akram’s Jungle Book reimagined, a vivid re-telling of Rudyard Kipling’s story presenting Mowgli’s journey through the eyes of a climate refugee. Memories of the Future explores the universal quest for belonging.
Through different perspectives, it reflects the struggles and transformations we face in finding our place in the world and how that place can evolve with age. It challenges the idea that we must conform while redefining what it truly means to belong. DUY delivers groundbreaking dance projects The 75-strong cast was invited from groups working with Dance United Yorkshire (DUY) in priority engagement areas in Bradford, building on the dance company’s work transforming the lives of marginalised and hard-to-reach communities through dance.
The pioneering dance company works with a range of people, using high-quality, inclusive dance practice, empowering individuals through movement, fostering creativity, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Rooted in Bradford, DUY delivers groundbreaking dance programmes in partnership with a range of organisations, including Children’s Services, the NHS, and education providers, as well as like-minded cultural organisations. Its work spans intergenerational groups, sanctuary seekers and young people facing adversity, providing them with a platform to express themselves, build confidence and develop skills for life.
The cast of Memories of the Future (Image: Elly Welford) Through collaborations with internationally renowned artists and organisations, DUY gives participants chance to experience exceptional artistic opportunities - using dance as a catalyst for change, connection and empowerment. Akram Khan Company works with companies around the world and created a section of the London Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in 2012. Inspired by Akram’s early training in Indian classical dance form Kathak, which blended with the contemporary dance of his teens, the company was founded in 2000 with a vision of learning and creating through collaboration with people across all disciplines in the arts.
The rules, said Akram, were simple: “Take risks, think big and daring, explore the unfamiliar, avoid compromise and tell stories through dance that are compelling and relevant, with artistic integrity”. In almost 25 years, AKC has become one of the foremost innovative dance companies in the world, with programmes ranging from Kathak and modern solos to artist collaborations and ensemble productions. The company has a major international presence and works with Sadlers Wells in London and other leading venues and festival worldwide.
Akram Khan has received numerous international dance awards, most notably an Olivier Award for his solo production DESH in 2012. Said Akram: “Collaborating with Dance United Yorkshire feels particularly special to me as Helen Linsell and I both share a deep conviction in the transformative power of dance. Our mutual respect and shared vision will empower choreographers Tallulah and Elliott to create a profound piece of dance that will resonate with the lived experiences of those who call Bradford home.
We also look forward to supporting and mentoring them, and watching their choreographic skills develop on such an ambitious project.” Added Helen: “Partnering with the Akram Khan Company on this innovative community project marks a significant milestone for Dance United Yorkshire. Through the prestigious platform of Bradford 2025, we have a unique opportunity to empower some of Bradford’s most vulnerable individuals.
It is an immense honour to do so under the visionary leadership of Akram Khan, whose passion for dance as a force for social change aligns deeply with our own.” Memories of the Future is choreographed by emerging choreographers Elliott Augustine and Tallulah Shannon. Elliott graduated from Northern School of Contemporary Dance in 2019 and has worked with dance companies including DUY.
He worked on DUY collaboration Doodles and Daydreams, bringing together a range of dancers from throughout Bradford. Elliott is currently the Regional Dance Ambassador of Bradford in partnership with Sir Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures company and the Alhambra Theatre, where he works with local community groups exploring the work of Bourne’s Swan Lake. Tallulah, a dance artist based in Sheffield, recently graduated from Northern School of Contemporary Dance and has run her own community dance project with mothers and daughters.
Her work is described as “collaborative, fun and inclusive” * Memories of the Future is at the Alhambra on July 5. Tickets are on sale at (01274) 432000 and bradford-theatres.co.
uk.
