There's growing interest for contemporary khon, which usually involves adapting stances and moves from the traditional Thai dance while occasionally doing away with the original costumes, and/or music.
Pichet Klunchun is at the forefront of this movement. The celebrated choreographer is highly in demand abroad, from Tokyo to Berlin. But like Apichatpong, he isn't exactly treated like a national hero in his home country. By the way, he will be performing Chui Chai again for La Fete, on Mar 6-8, at Patravadi.
But Klunchun is not alone in his bid to take the hanuman masks out of the mothballs. One such effort can currently be seen at Bed Supperclub, where choreographer Jitti Chompee is currently staging a piece titled, "The Invisible World."
A nightclub and restaurant may not be an obvious place to take in some high art, but with this show, Bed's creative director Sanya Souvanna Phouma is clearly pushing the limits. "I'm breaking the #1 rule, here. Never let the performers perform while people are eating. Well, in this performance, that just couldn't be avoided," Sanya says.
While the show retains a certain sexiness (the guys do have a propensity to take off their shirts) and humor, Bed has put on a worthy dance piece which explores khon versus western dances. In one piece set to tango music, this collision of cultures even turns into a kind of dramatic tension.
The show is on every night except Monday, starting from 7:30pm. For more info or reservations, call 02-651-3537.
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