IN - I at Sydney Opera House
18 - 28 February
Drama Theatre
Sydney Opera House presents the luminous French stage and screen actress, Juliette Binoche, and dancer/choreographer, Akram Khan, in a synthesis of movement and storytelling, IN-I from 18th to 28th February.
These two international stars will showcase their own craft while exploring new creative territory by embracing that of the other. Lending their individual talents, disciplines, ideas and artforms to the production, Binoche and Khan have collaborated to create, produce and co-direct the work. Although IN-I deals with grand universal themes, it remains rooted in a personal exploration of questions about love and relationships.
Binoche, who makes her dance debut in the piece, has been training for two years in preparation. IN-I will also mark a first for Khan, who will act, sing and play guitar on stage in addition to dancing.
IN-I marks Binoches return to the stage for the first time in 10 years. Best known for her films including Chocolat, Damage, Breaking and Entering, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Blue and The English Patient, for which she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, Binoche took up the challenge to dance at an age when most dancers have already hung up their pointed shoes.
On working with Khan, Binoche said, Im in the mood now to do something I dont yet know how to do. We all have possibilities within us. With Akram, I felt that we could confront and share new desires, hopes and visions through our respective arts by inventing a common language. I don't know the result yet, but I know the path that we're taking is changing me radically. Any artistic expression is a means to an opening which doesn't belong to anyone but links us to each other in a mysterious and necessary way.
Khan, the Balham-born Bangladeshi will showcase his vitality, passion and creativity for crosscultural expression which has been influenced by his training in Western contemporary dance and Kathak, the Indian classical genre.
Khan commented: "Throughout my career, I have sought out unexpected collaborations with other artists to explore ideas and themes that are important to me. This project with Juliette has pushed me in unexpected directions and has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I think we are both moving.
15 фев 2009
