in-i Interview with Juliette Binoche and Akram Khan

IN - I at Sydney Opera House

18 - 28 February

Drama Theatre

Sydney Opera House presents the luminous French stage and screen actress, Juliette Binoche, and dancer/choreographer, Akram Khan, in a synthesis of movement and storytelling, IN-I from 18th to 28th February.

These two international stars will showcase their own craft while exploring new creative territory by embracing that of the other. Lending their individual talents, disciplines, ideas and artforms to the production, Binoche and Khan have collaborated to create, produce and co-direct the work. Although IN-I deals with grand universal themes, it remains rooted in a personal exploration of questions about love and relationships.

Binoche, who makes her dance debut in the piece, has been training for two years in preparation. IN-I will also mark a first for Khan, who will act, sing and play guitar on stage in addition to dancing.

IN-I marks Binoches return to the stage for the first time in 10 years. Best known for her films including Chocolat, Damage, Breaking and Entering, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Blue and The English Patient, for which she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, Binoche took up the challenge to dance at an age when most dancers have already hung up their pointed shoes.

On working with Khan, Binoche said, Im in the mood now to do something I dont yet know how to do. We all have possibilities within us. With Akram, I felt that we could confront and share new desires, hopes and visions through our respective arts by inventing a common language. I don't know the result yet, but I know the path that we're taking is changing me radically. Any artistic expression is a means to an opening which doesn't belong to anyone but links us to each other in a mysterious and necessary way.

Khan, the Balham-born Bangladeshi will showcase his vitality, passion and creativity for crosscultural expression which has been influenced by his training in Western contemporary dance and Kathak, the Indian classical genre.

Khan commented: "Throughout my career, I have sought out unexpected collaborations with other artists to explore ideas and themes that are important to me. This project with Juliette has pushed me in unexpected directions and has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I think we are both moving.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• IN-I
• interview
• juliette
• binoche
• akram
• khan
• sydney
• opera
• house
• In-I
• love
• intimacy
• vulnerability
• dance
• dancer
• acting
• french
• stage
• screen
• actress
• movement
• storytelling

[fanaber70]

Her English is really great. Her French accent is not heard.

[rmephh]

Looks very interesting.  I'm afraid I know precious little about contemporary dance and have seen even less of it. But I never fail to be impressed by Juliette Binoche. I have lots of time for watching her and admire her immensely for her versatility and this clip has just revealed to me yet another layer of her talents.

[fanaber70]

@joannebenz2010

Yea, and she's absolutely stunning and ravishing.

[fanaber70]

@joannebenz2010

But anyway her English sounds like American English :-)

[joannebenz2010]

@fanaber70

of course you can hear the French accent! That's what makes her even more charming!

And sure, her English is great.

[plumeplume65]

Deux âmes en rencontre...mélanges intimes...on se laisse glisser dans le fluide de leur danse jusqu'au vertige! et toujours ce rire en sourire... Bravo à eux deux et merci.

[crapulay]

Simply beautiful! 

[choppingbokchoy]

i love juliette binoche- from chocolat

[sofianionian]

interesting

[robbyveggett]

Her Polish and French ancestry has largely contributed towards her beauty. Her parents were artists which was conducive to her versatility.