The last AKC production

Dear Friends and Supporters,

After 25 remarkable years of sharing stories through dance and creating work that has touched hearts and minds worldwide, we, Akram Khan and Farooq Chaudhry, have an important announcement to share. With deep gratitude and reflection, we have made the decision that Thikra: Night of Remembering will be the last touring production, which will finish in 2027.

This milestone is not an end but a moment to celebrate an extraordinary journey – a journey defined by transformative collaborations, innovative storytelling and a shared passion for pushing boundaries. 

Together, we’ve explored the vibrant landscapes of dance, offering alternative cultural narratives and challenging perceptions. None of this would have been possible without the immense talents of our dancers, collaborators, operational teams, co-producers, and of course our loyal audiences. A special thanks goes to Arts Council England for their continuous support, which has enabled us to thrive and become a vital part of our nation’s cultural tapestry. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sadler’s Wells for their trust and support, inspiring us to be ambitious and reach new heights exploring the limits of our artistic identity.

It goes without saying that all this unwavering support has shaped who we are and what we’ve achieved. It has been an immense privilege and responsibility which has been both humbling and empowering. 

Our latest work, Thikra: Night of Remembering, a unique commission from the Royal Commission for AlUla, premiered in January in the magical desert setting of AlUla. It was enthusiastically received and has now been adapted for indoor stages. The production will embark on a global tour until March 2027 following its World Premiere in Montpellier later this month. Much like our previous works, this piece unites diverse cultures and artistic expressions to convey the beauty and complexity of the human experience. It serves as our final gift as a company, and we can’t wait to share it with audiences around the world.

This decision comes from a desire to continue growing, contributing, and inspiring in new ways. Rather than a moment of sadness, we see this as a celebration of the legacy we have built and a chance for it to evolve and flourish within the dance communities we respect and love.

Thank you for walking this path with us. We cherish the experiences we’ve shared and look forward to staying connected as we embark on this next chapter.  

With heartfelt gratitude,
Akram Khan and Farooq Chaudhry