What happens in the moments after the apocalypse? To be confronted with hopelessness, to be met with strong forces, to be in relation to the natural order of the world. Let us bring a community of people together in which we can celebrate them and their world…
“The village looks at the sky in sorrow littered with endless blood. Two women tread the ash and dust to find solace in each other. A woman looks at the ground that has been burnt looking for last seeds to make this world grow again. The wheat pickles, the golden dust settles, she opens her palms and they all look at it. The fire burns the sky and clouds burst and we gather in the deep hearts of our inner world. The potential of being together as the skin meets, fire burns, the anger simmers, renouncing the apathy, the history and legacy and the walk continues.” – Akshay Sharma
The work uses movement, Indian classical song and sound to create a choreographic landscape of rituals, celebration, intimacy and resistance that brings to life the text “What Did The Fire Burn?” – a piece of prose written by Akshay Sharma.
Collaborators R&D
Direction, Choreography and Writing : Akshay Sharma
Dancers: Divija Melally, Jaina Modasia, Vidya Patel, Imogen Alvares, Mithun Gill
Vocals : Akshay Sharma and the dancers
Dramaturge: Eva Martinez
Producer: Louisa Borg Costanzi Potts
Composer : Ben Chatwin
Lighting design : Ali Hunter
Rehearsal direction: Rachel Lopez De la Nieta, Stephanie McMann
Vocal Coach : Barnaby Wynter
Production Manager: Sam Evans
The work will be created in 2025 with presentation in early September in Bradford at the newly refurbished and renamed Kalasangam as Bradford Arts Center for Bradford 2025 and The Place, London.
Commissioned by Kalasangam, Bradford and supported by Choreodrome residency 2024, The Place and made possible by Arts Council England.
Looking for commissioning support for the creation phase of this work from January 2025 and presentation opportunities from Autumn 2025.
Akshay Sharma Dance 