three dancers against a black backdrop

 

First Light

dancers against a black stage backdrop
Akademi’s First Light. Photo: Vipul Sangoi

2012

A collaboration between the 21st Century light and space modulation and Indian contemporary dance.

First Light was produced by Akademi in 2012 when it recieved a commission from Jason Bruges Studios and Indian electrical manufacturer Havells Sylvania. It transformed the underused section of Hungerford Bridge in London Southbank Centre through a collaboration between the 21st Century light and space modulation and Indian contemporary dance.

The piece combined the aesthetics of contemporary and Bharatanatyam dance to create a narrative that nimbly jumped from fear of the unknown to discovery and enlightenment. Taking inspiration from the age-old concepts of good overcoming evil, light overcoming darkness and the divine female energy of the Hindu goddess Durga in her nine incarnations, this work evolved through a myriad of different colours culminating in an interplay between dance, music, light and space.

First Light was later updated for a theatre setting, keeping the urban edge that made it so compelling. It was later performed at Purcell Room in Southbank Centre along with Akademi’s Daredevas on 27 and 28 February 2014.

Credits

Creative Team

RoleCredit
ChoreographySeeta Patel
ComposerJohn Metcalfe
Music arrangementAlistair Murray
Rehearsal DirectionRevanta Sarabai and Kamala Devam
LightingChloe Kenward
Associate Lighting DesignPrema Mehta
CellistDaisy Vatalaro

Media Credits

RoleCredit
ImagesVipul Sangoi and Simon Richardson

Performance Credits

Credit
Adam Kirkham
Luke Divall
Teerachai Thobumrung
Kamala Devam
Seeta Patel

Supported by

Supported by Arts Council England, Southbank Centre, Havells Sylvania, John Bruges Studio, Gem Arts, Watermans and Kadam.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England

Join the mailing list

Sign up