Akram Khan is an International choreographer and dancer who was responsible for dance in the opening ceremony of the London Olympics. He is British but with Bangladeshi parents. He is an associated artist of Sadler’s Wells Theatre and was awarded an MBE for his services to the UK dance community.
Last month, Akram made a special appeal for the work that CRP was doing with the victims of the recent Rana Plaza Tragedy, during his recent four day performance of DESH at Sadlers Wells
He made a pre-recorded message before the show starting with ‘I am Akram Khan and I am a supporter of the Valerie Taylor Trust in Bangladesh’. He continued with a few facts, to explain how VTT plans to treat 100 of the Rana Plaza victims free of cost and that he asked for the support of the audience. At the end of this brief piece, there was some audience applause to show approval.
After the show, a bucket collection was made from the departing audience. All four performances sold out, 1500 capacity, so it is all a wonderful opportunity, to spread the word of CRP to more people. The total donated will be known later but many more people will know of CRP whatever the sum is.
Those who have seen Desh will know what a wonderful performance he gives and how it shows the Bangladesh story alongside his own. It really is fantastic!
We are all most grateful to Akram Khan and to Sadlers Wells Theatre for all the help and cooperation given to VTT, and CRP.