Akram Khan ''Chotto Desh''

Legendary Choreographer Akram Khan to Present His Iconic Production in Estonia for the First Time

On February 25 and 26, 2025, the stage of the Russian Theatre of Estonia will host a unique event: Estonian audiences will have the chance to witness Chotto Desh, a production by one of the most influential choreographers of our time and a revolutionary in contemporary dance — Akram Khan.

Chotto Desh is a reimagined version of Khan’s renowned solo performance DESH, which earned him the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award in 2012, along with numerous accolades across the world. The production intricately weaves together personal memories and myths, connecting two vibrant worlds — Britain and Bangladesh. Through a journey of dance and animation, the protagonist, a boy growing up between two cultures, strives to understand who he truly is. Themes of identity, generational conflict, and cultural roots come alive in every movement, light transition, and musical note.

The stage magic of Chotto Desh is brought to life by a remarkably creative team. The visual design is the work of Timmy Yip, an Academy Award-winning designer recognized for his contributions to the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Under his guidance, the stage transforms into an enchanting world of animation, where urban landscapes and fairy-tale forests merge seamlessly. The music by Jocelyn Pook and lighting design by the legendary Michael Hulls immerse the audience in a dreamlike realm where the line between reality and imagination vanishes, leaving only an emotional journey.

Critics around the world have unanimously praised the production. The Telegraph describes it as “transcendent,” highlighting the magic and emotional intensity of every scene. The Independent calls it “mesmerizing,” emphasizing Khan’s mastery in creating vast universes from a single character. Meanwhile, The Wonderful World of Dance lauds the visual effects as “a hypnotic expression of the deepest feelings of the human soul.” Chotto Desh is more than just a dance performance; it is a poetic exploration of self-discovery that speaks universally to both children and adults.

Akram Khan is more than a choreographer; he is a legend. Widely recognized as a transformative figure in contemporary dance, he has redefined the art form on a global scale.

Khan’s story began even before his birth. In 1974, his parents fled the war in the Indian subcontinent and sought refuge in the United Kingdom. He was born shortly after in Wimbledon. This duality of cultural heritage — rooted in both Asia and Europe — became the foundation of Khan’s unique artistic language. His work seeks a universal form of expression, one so powerful that it resonates with audiences across the globe, evoking awe and admiration.

Having mastered the classical Indian temple dance Kathak as a child, Khan pursued formal training at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds, where he graduated with the highest honors in the school’s history. He first took to the stage as a child, performing the lead role of Mowgli in the London Academy of Indian Dance. At just 13, he appeared in Peter Brook’s iconic nine-hour production of The Mahabharata and later in its television adaptation. He honed his craft further at De Montfort University Leicester and in collaboration with the acclaimed Belgian dancer and choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker.

Did he consider classical ballet? “Yes,” he admits. After seeing recordings of Baryshnikov and Nureyev at 19, he tried his first ballet barre class, hoping to impress. “It had the opposite effect,” laughs Khan. “That’s how I ended my ballet career.” And so began his journey as a choreographer.

Initially, he explored the possibilities of his own body, creating solo works. Later, he founded the Akram Khan Company, assembling a rotating cast of the world’s finest dancers, handpicked from thousands of applicants for each project.

By the early 2000s, Khan had received every major British critical award and became one of the UK’s foremost cultural icons. He was knighted as a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Queen. The legendary ballerina Sylvie Guillem approached him with a request to create a piece for her, which, in Khan’s words, led him to “understand the classical ballet body and its essence.”

Khan continued to dance magnificently himself, performing lead roles until 2019, when, at 45, he announced he would no longer take on major parts (though for other roles — who knows?).

Khan has a vast and devoted following. Some have been captivated by his work since his early productions. Others discovered his choreography through the already iconic reimagining of Giselle and became lifelong fans. Many regard Khan as a spiritual guide, a guru of modern dance who brings profound truths to the stage.

It is a tremendous privilege that Estonia’s introduction to Akram Khan’s artistry begins with this performance — a production that is not only suitable but ideal for family audiences. Chotto Desh, which has already thrilled audiences on the world’s most prestigious stages, will be presented at the Russian Theatre on February 25 and 26, 2025.