What is transformation? How could we interpret this change?

Alliance Française de Bangkok will present “Chui Chai” the internationally renowned production of Mr Pichet Klunchun which features the modern interpretation of transformation from classical Thai dance to contemporary dance style creating brilliant new performance.

Chui Chai in Thai means “transformation”. It comes from the “Nang Loi (Floating Lady) Episode” from Ramayana Epic, in which demon maiden Benyakai was ordered by her uncle Todsakarn the demon king to transform herself to Sita, the wife of his enemy King Rama, as a trick to stop the war. The task of transformation is almost an impossible job, however Benyakai obliged.

Chui Chai presents a story between human beings and demons. Throughout the performance, the theme of transformation is developed: traditional costumes and masks are combined with jeans and uncovered faces; the distinctive hand, foot and finger gestures are adapted into contemporary choreography.

The performance aims to serve as a reflection on change, the time period during which the old parts with the new, when something becomes something else. Created in 2001 for the Aratani Japan America Theater in Los Angeles, Mr Klunchun has modified his original choreography to present a brand new version of his show acclaimed in Thailand, the United States and Europe.

About Pichet Klunchun, the respected Thai performer
From the age of 16 he was formed within the classical Thai mask dance, Khon, by one of Thailand´s best Khon-masters, Mr Chaiyot Khummanee of the Thai Royal Dance Academy. Mr Klunchun developed a passion for traditional dance, and learned to do the ten sao basis of Thai traditional dance and to perform the various demon characters who people the Ramanaya—the legendary Hindu epic tale which is an integral part of Thai culture.

He graduated with a major in Thai classical dance from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok and then started offering his services as a choreographer and dancer, and worked on large scale events such as the opening and closing ceremonies of the Asian Games in Bangkok in 1998 and the 1999 Bangkok Sound and Light Show, The River of King 1 and The River of King 2 in 2001.

The performance will be staged at the auditorium of Alliance Francaise on Saturday, October 2 at 19:30 hrs. and Sunday, October 3 at 14:00 hrs. Tickets are THB 250 for students and members and THB 400 for public. The tickets can be purchased from Alliance Française’s library (closed on Monday).

For further information, please visit www.alliance-francaise.or.th or contact chalanthorn.kidthang@alliance-francaise.or.th or telephone 02-670-4231.