A modern twist on an all-time classic will dance the night away at BroadStage this weekend.
“Jungle Book Reimagined,” a new multimedia dance theater presentation from choreographer Akram Khan, is a new take on the beloved story by Rudyard Kipling. The show’s United States premiere at BroadStage takes place Thursday and Friday evening at 7:30 p.m., followed by a 4 p.m. showing on Saturday.
Khan’s work reconfigures the journey of young Mowgli, as the character becomes a refugee within a world devastated by the impacts of climate change. Along with Khan’s signature dance choreography being on display, the piece is a multimedia event using animation and sound design to bring the reimagined story to life.
Already premiering overseas, the show has captivated audiences across the globe, with the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong remarking that the work has “striking theatrical effects, ingenious use of state-of-the-art multimedia and inventive choreography performed by a dazzling ensemble of dancers.”
Creative choreography has been Khan’s specialty in his 20-plus years of arrangements, crafting dance pieces the world over. He has previously choreographed works for the English National Ballet, as well as musicians like Kylie Minogue. His commitment to dance has led to some of the world’s most distinguished stages, such as performing at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony.
Khan’s newest piece, however, is just as informational about the world’s current state of affairs as it is entertaining for audiences.
“We are now living in unprecedented and uncertain times, not only for our species but for all species on this planet,” Khan said. “And the root cause of this conundrum is because we have forgotten our connection to our home, our planet.”
BroadStage Artistic and Executive Director Rob Ballis noted that while the piece is more mature than its source material, it is a necessary conversation for all ages.
“The reimagining here is the not so surprising leap into our current climate context – yes, this is ultimately an adaption of a children’s book, but as Akram suggests, if you think children are not talking about climate change, think again,” Ballis said.
Partnering the dance with the stage’s sounds is Olivier and BAFTA-winning composer Jocelyn Pook. Working in several entertainment mediums, her compositions have enhanced films such as Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut,” and she jumped at the chance to once again work with Khan for a worldly-inspired soundtrack.
“(Jungle Book) kind of lends itself to multicultural influences and elements because of the nature of the animals being from around the world, and the character Mowgli being from India,” Pook said. “There’s always these kind of (connections) with different cultures, and in particular, Asia and Africa. So it was kind of quite the journey, and I got to work with different musicians that I haven’t collaborated with before. It was very exciting for me.”
Pook and Khan previously collaborated on 2011’s “DESH” and 2018’s “Dust,” with the composer calling Khan a “very generous collaborator.” The choreographer says his relationship with Pook is “organic,” and guided the composer into enhancing the emotion and messaging of “Jungle Book.”
“My job was not to give Jocelyn the staircase but the first step, then think, does this hit me deep in my gut?,” Khan said. “She’s an amazing composer of vocals especially, and brings in influences from so many places.”
Prior to the performances, the BroadStage plaza area will have different unique pre-show activities. Thursday will have Paint & Sip with Jewel Sales, a “sustainable wine tasting,” and food by Chicas Tacos. Friday includes tea tasting by Teapot Gardens and a dessert pop up by Good Vibes Cookie Co. The final Saturday performance has pre-show appearances from the LA Guild of Puppetry, Rogue Artists Ensemble and Skirball Cultural Center, among other activities.
The 2-hour, 10-minute performance, with one intermission, will be the main event of the evening and something Ballis has been ecstatic about for months.
“Akram is a storyteller of the highest order and that is what makes his approach to (the show) so exceptional,” Ballis said. “The choreography is jaw-droppingly exciting, and that would be enough on its own – but this production embeds the dancing in a visual world of projected animation that fills the stage with magic.”
For tickets to “Jungle Book Reimagined,” visitbroadstage.org.
