Choreographic: A banner promoting the performance of Murmur 2.0 in Việt Nam. - Photo/Courtesy of the British Council.

HCM CITY — The acclaimed British choreographer and dancer Aakash Odedra is to perform in Việt Nam on March 23, 26 and 27.

Odedra will perform Murmur 2.0, the visually beautiful, heart-wrenching and dramatic piece that he presented at TEDGlobal as a TED Talk.

The performance is part of the British Council’s work in showcasing the best of British contemporary dance in Việt Nam.

It also marks another partnership between the British Council and HSBC Việt Nam after the bank sponsored the world-renowned English National Ballet tour in Việt Nam a few years ago.

The two intensely personal solo pieces of Murmur and Nritta will be staged on March 23 at Hà Nội Opera House, and on March 26-27 at the Hồ Chí Minh Opera House.

Cherry Gough, director of the British Council Việt Nam said, “2016 is a special year full of exciting activities for the British Council as we celebrate Shakespeare’s work worldwide on the 400th anniversary of his death. To make this year even more memorable, we are delighted to be co-operating with HSBC Việt Nam to introduce Aakash Odedra, one of the most sought-after contemporary British dancers today.”

Aakash has developed his own choreographic works including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the closing of the London Cultural Olympiad, and has received numerous awards and bursaries including a Sky Academy Arts Scholarship.

“We hope audiences in Việt Nam will be both entertained and inspired by this beautiful and thought-provoking performance,” Gough said.

In Nritta, choreographed by Odedra, the audience can see a dazzling display of technical feats. He moves with such agility that it is hard for the eye to follow. His feet beat out the rhythms, his gestures sweep and swerve, and throughout he remains poised and in control.

“This show establishes Odedra not just as Akram Khan’s protégé or a ‘rising star’ of Indian fusion dance in Britain, but as a highly interesting young creative voice. His dancing is a pleasure to watch, particularly when he returns to the Kathak classical idiom and shows us the talent and training that first brought him to Khan’s notice,” said Hanna Weibye of www.theartsdesk.com.

Tickets are available at the two venues, or can be booked online via www.ticketvn.com and www.ticketbox.vn.  — VNS