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Review: Akram Khan Company | Vertical Road

There is something haunting about tonight’s performance. Dim lights cast shadows upon the dusty stage as Nitin Sawhney’s harrowing score bustles through the theatre. The sound of trickling water streams into a constant wind, pierced by sharp strings. Akram Khan is not present on stage. Eight hand-picked dancers immerse themselves in a spiritual journey through existence and self discovery.

Khan’s choreography is rigorous. The dancer’s jolt repetitively to Sawhney’s drum score which pounds harder than the human heartbeat. They twitch and shudder, moving in unison, as if it were a ritual. Vertical Road manages to captivate the essence of the unknown amongst an otherwise dry and familiar existence.

El Brogy, one of the eight performers, remains the prime focus after emerging from behind a transparent back drop. It is he who appears to be travelling the road between the ‘earthly and the spiritual’, finding truth and guidance. The work is visually powerful, encouraging us to identify with Khan’s ideas. However, it is these ideas that get lost as the piece goes on. There is such an impetus of strength and beauty from the start that, as the piece loses momentum, you find yourself struggling to see the end of the road.

 But, no matter if you understand the piece or not, Vertical Road is a sensuous treat. The imagery is striking. Khan is as inspiring and original as ever, inviting you to celebrate the here and now and leaving you with unanswered questions.