Extreme Combat: The Dancer and the Fighter

Танцор и боец

Acclaimed choreographer and dancer Akram Khan's work is infused with a dynamic force that often verges on the violent. But when it comes to considering actual physical violence, Khan's stomach churns at the very thought. So why is he looking to hang out at gyms and meet three Mixed Martial Arts fighters whose number one aim is to beat the living bejesus out of their opponents, through a mix of kicks, punches and grapples?

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Actors

Akram Khan

Crew

Director

Christian Collerton

About

Extreme Combat: The Dancer and The Fighter documented Akram entering a very different area: the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Plunged into a realm of ultra-masculinity, Akram faced his fascination with aversion and physicality of violence by spending time with three British professional mixed martial artists in the weeks leading up to career defining fights.

Digging into what extent violence is intrinsic in human nature and in himself, he drew on this to create a dance piece to accompany one of the fighters on his walk out to the ring.