Professional Documents
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JungleBookreimagined - House Programme
JungleBookreimagined - House Programme
Presents
An Esplanade Co Production
6 & 7 Mar 2024, Wed & Thu, 2.30pm (For schools only)
8 Mar 2024, Fri, 7.30pm | 9 Mar 2024, Sat, 3pm
Esplanade Theatre
About Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Esplanade is Singapore’s national performing arts centre and one of the busiest arts centres in the world. Since its opening in
2002, the centre has presented more than 53,000 performances and activities, drawing an audience of 34 million patrons and
116 million visitors. This architectural icon, with its distinctive twin shells, houses world-class performance spaces
complemented by a comprehensive range of professional support services.
Esplanade’s vision is to be a performing arts centre for everyone and its programming is guided by its social mission—to
entertain, engage, educate and inspire. It seeks to enrich everyone’s lives, including seniors, youth, children and underserved
communities, through the arts. The centre’s year-long calendar of about 3,500 arts performances and activities span different
cultures, languages and genres including dance, music, theatre, and more. Of these, more than 70% are presented free for all
to enjoy. Esplanade’s visual arts programmes at its public spaces also allow visitors to view and explore art works for free.
Esplanade also brings the arts virtually to audiences in Singapore and beyond, through its diverse range of digital programmes
on Esplanade Offstage, an all-access backstage pass to the performing arts and guide to Singapore and Asian arts and culture,
with videos, podcasts, articles, quizzes and resources.
Esplanade regularly presents world-renowned companies and artists that attract international attention and add to Singapore’s
cultural vibrancy. The centre is also a popular performance home for arts groups and commercial presenters who hire its
venues to stage a wide range of programmes. These carefully curated presentations complement Esplanade’s own diverse
offerings for audiences.
Esplanade works in close partnership with local, regional and international artists to develop artistic capabilities, push artistic
boundaries and engage audiences. The centre supports the creation of artistic content by commissioning and producing new
Singapore and Asian work for the international stage. As an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) of the SkillsFuture
Singapore (SSG), Esplanade conducts a range of courses that develops technical capabilities for the industry nationally.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is operated by The Esplanade Co Ltd (TECL), which is a not-for-profit organisation, a registered
Charity and an Institution of a Public Character. The Charity Council awarded TECL the Charity Governance Award – Special
Commendation for Clarity of Strategy in 2016 and 2022, and the Charity Transparency Award from 2016 – 2019 and 2022.
Esplanade is Singapore’s first Dementia-Friendly Arts Venue and a certified Dementia Go-To Point, as well as a Guide-dog
Friendly centre.
TECL receives funding support from Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and its Community Programmes are supported
by Tote Board Family, comprising Tote Board, Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club.
1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 Tel: 6828 8222 Fax: 6337 3633 EsplanadeSingapore
www.esplanade.com EsplanadeSG
Customer Service Hotline: 6828 8377 SISTIC Hotline: 6348 5555 #esplanadesg #mydurian
C
O F E S T I VA L M E S S A G E 4
N AT U R E L ’ S M E S S A G E 5
N AKRAM KHAN ON
J U N G L E B O O K R E I M AG I N E D
6
T
SHARON CLARK EXPLAINS THE 8
P R O C E S S O F R E I M AG I N I N G
JUNGLE BOOK
E
A B O U T J U N G L E B O O K R E I M AG I N E D 10
SYNOPSIS 11
N
PRODUCTION CREDITS 13
A B O U T A K R A M K H A N C O M PA N Y 16
T BIOGRAPHIES 18
S
F E S T I VA L
M E S SAG E
In a world that grows ever more complex and uncertain, how do our children navigate their
journey to adulthood? What constitutes a safe haven for them, and where do they find a sense
of home?
March On, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s children’s festival returns from 6 – 17 Mar 2024.
In its fourth edition, the festival presents specially commissioned immersive experiences by
homegrown companies as well as international co-productions and presentations exploring
the themes of home, adventure and coming of age. Throughout the festival and all around
the centre, there will be free programmes as well as workshops for children, families, and
caregivers. We also continue our partnership with ASSITEJ Singapore to put together
professional development and industry-based discussions for educators and artists.
For children, home transcends the confines of a roof overhead; it encompasses emotions
and an imaginative refuge where they can freely engage in play and weave dreams. March
On delves into the concept of “shelter”, exploring its diverse expressions and forms through
captivating performances and interactive workshops. We encourage children to reflect on what
shields and inspires them, fostering a desire to contribute to a brighter future for themselves
and the world they inhabit.
We hope the festival will inspire everyone to re-imagine, play, hope, and reach out for the
shining stars in space. Let’s March On towards a brighter world for us all!
Rachel Lim
Producer, The Esplanade Co Ltd
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N AT U R E L ’ S
M E S SAG E
Naturel continues to be a proud sponsor of Esplanade’s March On 2024, an annual children’s
festival that explores relevant issues for the young through multi-disciplinary programs and
participatory art experiences. This sponsorship reflects a positive association with event,
and emphasises Naturel’s commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to the
community’s cultural and educational enrichment.
With Naturel’s long history, brand leadership in the cooking oil and olive oil markets, and
organic staples, it is a brand that resonates well with local consumers.
We extend our warmest wishes for an enjoyable and enriching experience at the Festival!
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AKRAM
KHAN
ON JUNGLE BOOK
R E I M AG I N E D
Why?
What?
How?
– Akram Khan
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SHARON
CLARK
EXPLAINS THE
PROCESS OF
R E I M AG I N I N G
JUNGLE BOOK
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ABOUT
JUNGLE
BOOK
R E I M AG I N E D
“Really the piece is about our lack of listening but
also the sadness of not being able to listen and how
important it is to be able to listen to the earth. It’s one
of our biggest mistakes. Climate change is here and
we were aware of it a long time ago.”
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PRODUCTION
CREDITS
Director/Choreographer
Akram Khan
Creative Associate/Coach
Mavin Khoo
Writer
Tariq Jordan
Dramaturgical Advisor
Sharon Clark
Composer
Jocelyn Pook
Sound Designer
Gareth Fry
Lighting Designer
Michael Hulls
Rotoscope Artists/Animators
Naaman Azhari, Natasza Cetner, Edson R Bazzarin
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Rehearsal Directors
Nicky Henshall, Andrew Pan, Angela Towler
Dancers
Maya Balam Meyong,Tom Davis-Dunn, Hector Ferrer, Harry Theadora Foster, Filippo Franzese,
Bianca Mikahil, Max Revell, Matthew Sandiford, Elpida Skourou, Holly Vallis, Jan Mikaela
Villanueva, Lani Yamanaka
Assistant Animators
Nisha Alberti, Geo Barnett, Miguel Mealla Black, Michelle Cramer, Jack Hale, Zuzanna Odolczyk,
Sofja Umarik
Voice Actors
Tian-Lan Chaudhry, Joy Elias-Rilwan, Pushkala Gopal, Dana Haqjoo, Nicky Henshall, Su-Man
Hsu, Kathryn Hunter, Emmanuel Imani, Divya Kasturi, Jeffery Kissoon, Mavin Khoo, Yasmin
Paige, Max Revell, Christopher Simpson, Pui Yung Shum, Holly Vallis, Jan Mikaela Villanueva,
Luke Watson, 3rd year students of Rambert School.
Co-produced by
Curve Leicester, Attiki Cultural Society – Greece, Birmingham Hippodrome, Edinburgh
International Festival, Esplanade –Theatres on the Bay, Festspielhaus St. Pölten, Internationaal
Theater Amsterdam, Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance – Chicago,
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts – New York, Maison de la Danse / Pôle européen
de création – Lyon, National Arts Centre – Canada, New Vision Arts Festival – Hong Kong,
Orsolina28, Pfalzbau Bühnen – Theater im Pfalzbau Ludwigshafen, Romaeuropa Festival,
Stanford Live / Stanford University, Teatros del Canal – Madrid, théâtre de Caen, Théâtre de la
Ville – Paris.
The technical adaptation of Jungle Book reimagined is kindly supported by Les Théâtres de la
Ville de Luxembourg.
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With the support of
Garfield Weston Foundation, Genesis Foundation and Angela Bernstein CBE
Supported by
Arts Council England
Special thanks to
Pui Yung Shum, Luke Watson, Thomasin Gülgeç, Lucia Chocarro, Fukiko Takase, Vanessa
Vince-Pang, Tina and Richard Fagan, Sue Buckmaster, The Coronet Theatre, University of
RoTehampton, Mr. & Mrs. Khan, Yuko Khan, Sayuri, Kenzo & Ayana Khan, Amanda Britton,
Darren Ellis, Sharon Watson, Ann David, Anda Winters, Ella Roberts, Anna CY Chan and all
the students of Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts that took part in creation rehearsals,
and all the 3rd year students of Northern School of Contemporary Dance (2021-2022) and 3rd
year students of Rambert School (2021-2022) who worked on the R&D residency with Akram.
Music recorded by
Singers
Tanja Tzarovska, Melanie Pappenheim, Sushma Soma, Sohini Alam, Voya Zivkovic
Musicians
Jocelyn Pook (piano, viola, voice, keyboards), Mulele Matondo (guitar and sanza), Belinda
Sykes (shawm and gralla)
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ABOUT
AKRAM
KHAN
C O M PA N Y
In July 1999 in the foyer of the Queen Elizabeth
Hall in London, an animated and curiosity-filled
conversation took place between the young gifted
dancer/choreographer Akram Khan and an ambitious
former dancer and just recently graduated arts
manager Farooq Chaudhry. That conversation laid
the foundation stone for a dynamic collaboration,
culminating in the creation of Akram Khan Company
one year later.
The rules were simple: take risks, think big and daring,
explore the unfamiliar, avoid compromise and tell
stories through dance that are compelling and relevant,
with artistic integrity.
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Khan has been the recipient of numerous awards
throughout his career including the Laurence
Olivier Award, the Bessie Award (New York Dance
and Performance Award), the prestigious ISPA
(International Society for the Performing Arts)
Distinguished Artist Award, the Fred and Adele Astaire
Award, the Herald Archangel Award at the Edinburgh
International Festival, the South Bank Sky Arts Award
and eight Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards.
Khan was awarded an MBE for services to dance in
2005. He has recently been announced as the new
Chancellor of De Montfort University, and he is also
an Honorary Graduate of University of London as well
as Roehampton and De Montfort Universities, and an
Honorary Fellow of Trinity Laban.
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Mavin Khoo
Creative Associate & Coach
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Tariq Jordan
Writer
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Sharon Clark
Dramaturgical Advisor
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Jocelyn Pook
Composer
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Gareth Fry
Sound Designer
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Michael Hulls
Lighting Designer
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Miriam Buether
Visual Stage Designer
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Adam Smith
Art Direction and
Director of Animation
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Nick Hillel
Producer/Director of
Video Design
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YeastCulture
Production Company
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Nicky Henshall
Rehearsal Director
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Andrew Pan
Rehearsal Director
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Angela Towler
Rehearsal Director
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Maya Balam Meyong
Dancer
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Tom Davis-Dunn
Dancer
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Hector Ferrer
Dancer
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Harry Theadora Foster
Dancer
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Filippo Franzese
Dancer
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Bianca Mikahil
Dancer
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Max Revell
Dancer
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Matthew Sandiford
Dancer
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Elpida Skourou
Dancer
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Holly Vallis
Dancer
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Jan Mikaela Villanueva
Dancer
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Lani Yamanaka
Dancer
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Esplanade gives our heartfelt thanks
to our Esplanade partner, arts benefactor, donors and sponsors for
believing in our vision to be a performing arts centre for everyone.
They made all these possible!ˆ
12,059
Participants
We believe that everyone
1,487,680
should be able to experience
Free the joy of the arts, including
children, youth, seniors, migrant
workers and individuals with
Paid 287,931 special needs. Our community
engagement activities bring the
arts to those in need.
*Figures for Esplanade’s activities from Apr 2022 to Mar 2023.
Donate at www.esplanade.com/donate
To find out more, email us at donations@esplanade.com or speak with us at 6828 8321.
We thank everyone who has helped us bring joy, inspiration and positive impact to Singaporeans from all
walks of life by supporting the arts and Esplanade.
Our heartfelt appreciation goes especially to our Donors and Sponsors, for their steadfast belief in our
mission and for their generous support.
The above are donors and sponsors who contributed $1000 and above from April 2022– March 2023.
Esplanade also receives grants from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, as well as support for our
Community Programmes from the Tote Board Family, comprising Tote Board, Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club.
The Arts
& You
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Check out more programmes
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and inspiration of the arts to different communities, including the underserved. #esplanadesg #mydurian