Images for Akram Khan’s first performance at the Roundhouse as well as his first production staged in the round have been released as rehearsals begin for Until the Lions.

The show is inspired by the Indian epic Mahabharata , an ancient Sanskri epic and is set to be one of his most startling and introspective works to date.

Following on from rehearsals at the Curve Theatre in Leicester, Until the Lions will be premièring at London’s Roundhouse from the 9th to the 24th January 2016 for twelve performances only before heading off on an international tour.

Until the Lions sees Khan rediscover his classical roots and his inspiration for the work is taken from the Indian dance form Kathak combined with contemporary dance. The production will explore themes of gender and sexuality, following Amba, a princess abducted on her wedding day who seeks revenge from the gods.

This latest production marks a return to the tale for Khan, having begun his professional career performing in Peter Brook’s own production in 1985.

Until the Lions will see Khan reuniting with some of the artistic collaborators behind his Olivier Award-winning production DESH, including visual artist Tim Yip, lighting designer Michael Hulls, writer and poet Karthika Naïr and dramaturg Ruth Little.

Khan will be performing in the piece alongside two of his company dancers Ching-Ying Chien and Christine Joy Ritter. The production will also feature singers Sohini Alam and David Azurza, percussionist Yaron Engler and composer Vincenzo Lamagna.