Xenos

Well, we’ve actually made it to London, but I’m afraid I was too tired last night to post. Three days into my antibiotics and things are easier, and I’ve learnt that living with a chronic - if as yet undiagnosed - illness means being pragmatic and taking every opportunity possible is the best approach.  

The main reason for this trip was to see Xenos in Sadlers Wells. We were booked to see this solo dance work from the wonderful Akram Khan in Salford last year - but we all know what happened to 2020’s plans….. 

It has been worth the wait, however; we watch, moved and mesmerised, as the 47 year old dancer performs this iconic piece depicting the horrors of a colonial soldier destroyed by the dehumanising madness of the First World War. A pair of wonderful traditional Indian musicians present the warm and colourful world of the subcontinent with Khan dancing the complex rhythmic and joyous Kathak - the style of dance he grew up with - before this world literally disappears and the simple steeply sloping set transforms to a battlefield complete with the dry dust of mud, as as Khan dances the final movements to Mozart’s sublime Lacrimosa, tears are inevitable. It is a masterpiece, met with a standing ovation and rapturous applause. 

Pre-theatre, we meet Simon and his partner Lloyd for a quick meal - as always it’s lovely to see them even though they’ll hopefully be home for Christmas. Poor Simon; his right hand and lower arm are in plaster - he’s broken a bone making mince pies! Who knew baking could be so dangerous! (His hand slipped against the wall when he was trying to roll out chilled pastry - we share a recipe for the most wonderful short pastry that is quite challenging to handle.) 

Today’s main is the pre-performance stage set of Xenos - obviously no photos during the performance - with an extra of Simon and Lloyd.


There may be an inevitable lack of comments for a few days I’m afraid, but I know you all understand!