Chotto Desh

“Chotto Desh”, meaning ‘little homeland’, tells the compelling story of a boy’s search to find his place in the world after coming to the United Kingdom from Bangladesh, the homeland of his parents. His dreams and memories are poignantly conveyed via a fascinating blend of Kathak, an Indian dance style, and contemporary dance, spoken word and specially composed music. “Chotto Desh” is an enchanting and moving dance and theater experience for children and their families.

DESH Artistic Direction and Original Choreography: Akram Khan
Chotto Desh Direction and Adaptation: Sue Buckmaster (Theatre-Rites)
Music Composition: Jocelyn Pook
Lighting Design: Guy Hoare
Stories imagined by: Karthika Naïr and Akram Khan
The grandmother’s fable in “Chotto Desh” is taken from the book “The Honey Hunter”
Written by: Karthika Naïr, Sue Buckmaster and Akram Khan
Assistant Choreographer: Jose Agudo
Rehearsal Directors: Dennis Alamanos, Amy Butler, Nicola Monaco
Grandmother’s voice: Leesa Gazi
Jui’s voice: Sreya Andrisha Gazi
Dancers: Jasper Narvaez, Nicolas Ricchini
Producer of the original production of “Chotto Desh”: Claire Cunningham
Original Visual Design: Tim Yip
Original Visual Animation created by: YeastCulture
Original Costume Supervisor: Kimie Nakano
Music Engineer: Steve Parr
Painted Head Sequence devised by: Damien Jalet with Akram Khan
‘Bleeding Soles’ lyrics written by: Leesa Gazi
Singers: Melanie Pappenheim, Sohini Alam, Jocelyn Pook (voice/viola/piano), Tanja Tzarovska, Jeremy Schonfield

“A real delight. It mixes reality and mythology to explore rebellion, identity and homeland.”

The Guardian

We gratefully acknowledge the artists who contributed to the original production of “DESH” by Akram Khan Company. Coproduced by the MAC, Belfast. Originally co-commissioned by MOKO Dance, Akram Khan Company, Sadler’s Wells London, DanceEast, Théâtre de la Ville Paris, Mercat de les Flors Barcelona, Biennale de la danse de Lyon 2016 and Stratford Circus Arts Centre. Supported by Arts Council England.
The guest performance is realized in cooperation with HAU Hebbel am Ufer.