Born in London, of Indo-Caribbean heritage, Keith Khan began his career in designing carnival in Trinidad and the UK. He created a company, called “Moti Roti” which existed from 1989 (closing in 2011) presenting work with diverse audiences, particularly South Asian. They produced a range of thoughtful offerings, grounded in cultural omission or popular tropes.
Keith is coming up with a high-tech, multimedia stage production “The Accountants” based on the data, stereotypes and cultures of India and China. The production is choreographed by global dance icons Terence Lewis and Xie Xin, scheduled on May 4 to 11. In an interview with Asian Voice, he spoke about the characters in the production, challenges, working with the choreographers and much more.
In what ways do the characters in the play grapple with the clash of cultural values between China and India, and how does this impact their personal journeys?
The journey began with a focus on data, but soon evolved with the collaboration of Terence Lewis from India and Xie Xin from China, along with their respective dance companies. Recognising the need to infuse humanity and storytelling into the show, they transformed it into a mixed-media spectacle, enriched with video elements. The narrative delves into the rejection of data, particularly concerning women's treatment in India and China, and questions of identity. The first half of the show remains data-heavy, gradually transitioning into a space where the relevance of data is questioned. The story unfolds through the interactions of two characters: Kash, a British Asian woman, and Liam, a mixed-race Chinese boy. Their exchanges, depicted solely through text messages and voice notes displayed on stage, reveal a conflict between perspectives—Kash emphasising data-driven insights, while Liam advocates for lived experiences. This debate forms the framework of the narrative, exploring themes of cultural identity and societal norms.
What challenges have you encountered during the production of “The Accountants” that have shaped its development?
The project posed a significant challenge from the outset, as it was conceived as a collaboration with individuals from different countries, working remotely. While the shift to remote work due to Covid may have eased the transition for some, the core concept remained challenging. Throughout the process, Terence worked from Mumbai, while Xie Xin operated out of Shanghai. Coordinating between two choreographers across different time zones presented logistical hurdles. Moreover, bringing 12 individuals from these countries to the UK posed its own set of challenges. Despite these obstacles, the experience has been immensely rewarding. Embracing remote work has become integral to the project's development, offering a modern and efficient approach to collaboration.
What was experience like collaborating with globally renowned dance icons Terence Lewis and Xie Xin and how did their expertise contribute to the production’s artistic vision?
Both Terence and Xie Xin proved to be remarkable collaborators. My first encounter with Terence was in 2018 during a research trip to China and India to find partners for this ambitious project. It took time to identify collaborators who not only understood the theme but also embraced the online collaboration method. Both dance companies demonstrated exceptional dedication and creativity, recognizing the rarity of such opportunities for Indian artists to engage in international productions of this calibre. Working closely with them, we utilised platforms like Vimeo to share ideas, provide feedback, and refine our vision. Xie Xin, who recently collaborated with the Paris Opera, showcased a similar level of commitment and adaptability. It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and willingness of both Chinese and Indian dancers to collaborate, embodying the essence of the project's theme—uniting two economic powerhouses.
What do you hope audiences will take away from the experience of watching “The Accountants”?
The audience is likely to be surprised by the wealth of knowledge about India and China that the show will impart. For instance, they may discover lesser-known facts, such as India's greater representation in space with more Indian-origin women astronauts compared to China. This aspect adds depth to the cultural exploration offered by the production. The show is designed to provide a contemporary perspective on our relationship with data, questioning whether we are overwhelmed or controlled by it. The second half delves into this theme with a more emotional approach, complemented by stunning dance performances and visually captivating video design. It's important to note that the show doesn't follow a traditional storyline; rather, it offers an immersive experience akin to a music video or a website, inviting viewers to explore and engage with the content on a deeper level.
