A new solo work by Akram Khan, marking the great dancer's final performances in a full-length production. XENOS means ‘stranger’ or ‘foreigner’. It confronts the tragedy of the First World War through the eyes of a shell-shocked Indian soldier in the trenches, forced to fight in a conflict that is not his.

Around 1.5 million Indian men – mostly peasants from northern India – were mobilised during the War. Forced into service by the obligations of empire, they fought and died in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Or sometimes returned home, often mutilated and traumatised, to find their stories later suppressed after rejection of colonial rule – thereby becoming strangers in their own land.

Expressing tales of loss, hope and redemption, XENOS explores our connections with our past and our future, and stares unflinchingly at the beauty and horror of the human condition.

Akram Khan is one of today’s most celebrated and respected dance artists, a multi-award-winning dancer and choreographer who creates epic storytelling works with a powerful emotional impact. Shifting between classical Indian kathak and contemporary dance, his distinctive movement language respects and challenges both forms.

In shows including Kaash, DESH, Gnosis and zero degrees, Khan has worked on stages across the world, collaborating with artists including Juliette Binoche, Sylvie Guillem, Kylie Minogue, Anish Kapoor and Antony Gormley. XENOS’s stellar international creative team includes acclaimed Canadian playwright Jordan Tannahill, and Italian composer Vincenzo Lamagna, whose specially written score is performed live on stage by a multi-national quintet of musicians.

★★★★★ 'a gift to hold dear'
The Herald

★★★★★ 'epic'
The Scotsman

★★★★ 'Khan creates powerful images with breathtaking skill and simplicity'
EdinburghGuide

Join the Facebook event