GIGENIS - the generation of the Earth

“I am excited and humbled to be back on stage and direct six extraordinary soloist artists from all generations. GIGENIS is a profound tribute to that reflection, a reconciliation between the past and the present times, a genuine celebration of our collective love for dance—boundless, timeless, as well as deeply rooted.”
– Akram Khan

Akram Khan, a choreographer and dancer rooted in the tradition of his practice, and a creative interpreter of stories that need to be experienced, has revolutionised the world of dance.

Khan returns to his roots, traditions and past—to a time when we were more connected with nature, Mother Earth and our mythology. GIGENIS evokes the memories of our civilisation.

In his latest work, GIGENIS - the generation of the Earth, Khan shares the stage with a distinguished ensemble of classical Indian dance artists, including Kutiyattam artist Kapila Venu, Odissi soloist, Sirikalyani Adkoli, Bharatanatyam soloists Mavin Khoo and Mythili Prakash, and the Bharatanatyam duo Vijna Vasudevan and Renjith Babu.

Khan invokes memories across time and place to celebrate these artists’ collective love of dance. Drawing from his deep-seated connection to ritual practices and his ability to weave narratives through movement, GIGENIS - the generation of the Earth is a testament to the enduring resonance of tradition in a rapidly changing world.

Director: Akram Khan

Light designer: Zeynep Kepekli 

Light operator: Connor Sale 

Music orchestrator: Jyotsna Prakash 

Sound designer: Dave Price 

Sound operator: Mark Webber 

Rehearsal director: Nicky Henshall 

Technical director: Michael Cunningham 

Stage Manager: Marek Pomocki 

Costumes: Peggy Housset 

Producer: Vony Sarfati

Dancers:

Akram Khan, Sirikalyani Adkoli, Renjith Babu, Mavin Khoo, Mythili Prakash, Vijna Vasudevan, Kapila Venu 

Musicians and Vocals: 

BC Manjunath (mridangam), Kalamandalam Rajeev (mizhavu) 

Hariraam Lam (violin), Nina Harries (doublebass) 

Sohini Alam (vocals), Chitra Poornima Sathish & Sushma Soma (vocals), Rohith Jayaraman (vocals) 

GIGENIS – the generation of the Earth is produced by Productions Sarfati. Presented thanks to the support of Orsolina28 Art Foundation and Muse Art Foundation.

In co-production with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore, Sadler’s Wells, London, The Joyce Theater with the support of its Executive Director's Fund, and Stephen and Cathy Weinroth Fund for New Work