Bahok – Lowry Theatre, Salford

Director/Choreographer: Akram Khan

Music: Nitin Sawhney

Reviewer: Ruth Lovett

The Public Reviews Rating:

Bahok is the Bengali word meaning ‘carrier’ and the piece focuses on the idea that the body carries national identity and a feeling of belonging.

Although getting off to a slow start, this strong cast of 8 dancers from a variety of nationalities including, South African, Slovakian, Korean and Indian perform an array of at times, very dynamically pleasing routines, combined contemporary dance with some impressive lift and floor work.

Set in a waiting room for departures we are introduced to a variety of characters you would expect to see in a waiting room such as a young couple, a slightly strange, loan woman, a group of friends; the dancers portray information about themselves such as memories, feelings, where they have been, where they are going to through movement.

Although at times a little repetitive, some of the shapes made by the dancers are very pleasing and striking. It is difficult to reference any dancers or particular sections specifically as there were no programmes available for this production!

Clever use of dialogue and a large electronic departure board with changing text keep the action moving along and prevent the piece from feeling too static and gives distinction to each section, allowing each dancer a moment center stage.

The depth of skill to this piece is most evident in the final group number where the choreography really shines through in a section that shows great musicality and proves that technically good dance does not need props, extravagant lighting or an intricate set to shine and this section of the show is by far and away the most visually pleasing, dynamic part, really showcasing the dancers and the idea that the body can make some truly remarkable shapes and convey as much as the spoken word, if not more.

At times somewhat drawn and the use of vocal not adding much to the piece in some places, on the whole this is a good production in that it is innovative and a strong presentation of contemporary dance. Unfortunately it is performed to a pre-recorded track which at times becomes distorted with increased volume; detracting somewhat from the action on stage. Also, some of the pieces feel a little self indulgent and feel as though they peter out before reaching their maximum potential. However the quality of the dance shines though continuously and this is to be commended.