Review: Akram Khan Company's UNTIL THE LIONS at the Luminato Festival

Epic storytelling meets emotional physical theatre in Akram Khan's moving production. Based on the tale of Amba/Shikhandi in the Mahabharata, UNTIL THE LIONS explores notions of gender identity, spirituality and passionate confrontation. Director and choreographer Akram Khan has outdone himself in this expressive masterpiece - moving from start to finish, the pounding rhythmic accompaniment keeps the suspense building until the very end.

The Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre provides an intriguing 360 degree experience for this production. The stage, designed by Tim Yip, is incredible to watch. Like the base of a giant tree, it grows and breaks to jaw dropping effects. Michael Hulls' lighting design makes the piece easy to follow. One moment where a series of white lights quickly turn in to focus on one of the dancer's hands, left me with chills.

Ching-Ying Chien and Joy Alpuerto Ritter's bodies are enchanting while at the command of Kahn's choreography. The dancing emphasizes the struggle at the core of the piece, nearly defying human physicality at certain points.

The collaboration of design and dance makes UNTIL THE LIONS a true experience piece.

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UNTIL THE LIONS is presented by the Akram Khan Company at the Canadian Opera Company's Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, 227 Front St E, Toronto, ON.

For more information, visit https://luminatofestival.com/

(photo credit: Joy Alpuerto Ritter and Akram Khan in Until the Lions. Photo by Jean Louis Fernandez)