AWARD-WINNING solo dancer Aakash Odedra is bringing his new work Murmur, inspired by his experiences of dyslexia, to Dance City, Newcastle, on Temple Street, on Saturday, February 28, 8pm, as part of an international tour.

Odedra was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age. Finding written language alien, dance became his preferred mode of expression. In 2013 Odedra was one of five performers to be awarded a Sky Academy Arts Scholarship in support of the creation of Murmur. The dancer’s journey during the project has also been captured by Sky Arts in a short film and as part of his aim to increase awareness about the frustrations Dyslexia can bring, he has accepted an ambassadorial role with national charity Dyslexia Action.

During the creation of Murmur, Odedra worked in collaboration with Australian choreographer Lewis Major and acclaimed producer Farooq Chaudry. The original soundtrack is by Nicky Wells, a protégée of Nitin Sawhney, classically trained in Indian music. Lighting is by Andrew Ellis.

The other performance is Inked, choreographed by Olivier Award-winning Damien Jalet on Odedra whose grandmother’s body was covered with tattoos that ensured her protection and sense of belonging. In Inked, the body becomes a place of transformation as it journeys through a ritualised space. The original score is by Scott Morgan and lighting by Fabiana Piccioli winner of the Knight of Illumination Award for dance in 2013.

  • Tickets: £12.50, 11+ only. Box Office: 0191-261-0505, dancecity.co.uk or email info@dancecity.co.uk. Dyslexia Action has 21 local centres across the UK including one in the Regent Centre in Newcastle. For more information call 0191-233- 6385 or email newcastle@dyslexiaaction.org.uk