Part of the Performance Live strand on BBC Two which aims to showcase some of the most exciting artists working in performance today. This innovative performance by hip hop artist and writer Akala is an abridged version of his epic poem of the same name and is a personal interpretation of history as told through the 'knowledge seeker'. He follows the course of mans evolution, via astral travel and multiple reincarnations, in an attempt to discover the cause of the rise and fall of empires. It is driven by a musical score by Mala and Paul Gladstone-Reid and combines innovative animation techniques and emerging technology with some of the most groundbreaking creative talents in the industry, under the creative guidance of Andy Serkis. Akala, with a host of artists, dancers, and actors bring his poem of man's relationship with himself and the planet, throughout history, to life. Written and performed by Akala, The Ruins Of Empires is a Greenacre Films Limited/Immovable Limited production for the BBC and ACE.