Kashif Ur Rehman How did the concept of blending Eastern and South Asian cultures in The Accountants originate, and what challenges did you encounter during the creative process?
The concept of blending Eastern and South Asian cultures in The Accountants began as a direct result of my role as Head of Culture for the London Olympic and Paralympic games, because in that role I got to spend time in Beijing for the Beijing Olympics. It was at that time I was just blown away by how little I actually knew about China and how old-fashioned and stereotypical my views were. I kind of felt ashamed that I was so ignorant. Likewise, even though I have worked extensively with the Asian community throughout the UK, working in India around the same time I was knocked over by the energy and dynamism of the country. I really wanted to start thinking about India and China as places that are moving forwards.
The creative process has been amazing and it has largely been an online process. I have set up systems which are shared diagrams in graphics scripts, and we have had numerous zoom meetings, creative sessions, sharing. The choreographic teams of Xie Xin and Terrence Lewis have shared choreography via these platforms. And the work of the video designers, idontloveyouanymore and the musician and composer Somatic, have all interfaced with these online methodologies. It has been a joy bringing people into the real space in real time, but it is true to say the majority of the work has happened via these online processes which makes it an incredibly contemporary piece, not just in its content but in its construction.
Could you share your experience working with Terence Lewis and the Xie Xin Dance Academy on The Accountants?
Oh my God, I love them. Both. They’re brilliant. I initially met both companies in 2018, and over that time we’ve developed close relationships. Their ability to collaborate, their generosity, their thoughtfulness and integrity have been amazing. Both have contributed so much to this show, not just their dance ability but in terms of the core concepts the themes, how we treat these complex cultures.
This production is about humanity, but what does humanity mean to you?
What does humanity mean to me? I think it’s that place between your online experience and your real life. It’s your soul … the ability to smell flowers, to feel sadness, and not be frightened of it.