Instructor
Pichet Klunchun
Unveiling the mystery of the traditional Thai dance practice “Khon”, “About Khon and You” bridges the gap between tradition and the contemporary. Through a lively combination of demonstration and discussion, Pichet Klunchun, who is one of the greatest masters of Khon but is also seen as one of the most audacious artists in the Thai cultural scene, together with a Hong Kong artist will explore and revisit the meaning of tradition, training and learning, and eventually reinterpret tradition in a contemporary context. In addition, Klunchun is going to conduct a free open class of Khon, giving Hong Kong audiences an opportunity to experience this centuries-old Thai court dance practice in person.
Photo: CHI
Workshop
The traditional Thai dance “Khon” is known for its unique and established body language as well as the strict training. However, Pichet Klunchun is not afraid of breaking the conformity and translate the spirit of Khon into the contemporary context, allowing dancers to develop a deeper understanding of their bodies and culture through the dance movements. In this workshop, Klunchun will teach basic Khon techniques and share his experience on integrating traditional Khon into contemporary dance.
Date│Time│Venue:
01-05.04.2019│7pm – 10pm │F Hall Studio
06.04.2019│ 6pm – 10pm│JC Cube
07.04.2019│10am – 1pm│JC Cube
07.04.2019│2:30pm – 4pm│JC Cube (Showcase)
Instructor:
Pichet Klunchun
Language:
English
Target Participants:
Aged 16 and above, with an interest in dance
Number of Participants:
15 (limited quota on a first-come first-served basis)
Fee:
$300 (A full refund will be given to participants with a 85% attendance rate and who participate in the showcase)
Application Deadline:
22 March 2019
Remarks:
- This workshop requires a large amount of physical movements. Participants are advised to consider his / her own physical condition before enrolling
- Please wear comfortable clothing and socks
Photo: TR Concept & Visual
Public Khon Class
“Khon” is a traditional dance theatre originating from the Thai royal court. Widely recognised as a national treasure, it integrates various art forms including dance, theatre, music, poetry and shadow puppetry. In this public class, Khon master Pichet Klunchun will teach you the basic dance movements and illustrate the relation between Khon and Thai culture in a lively and interactive setting. Come and experience Khon by yourself!
Date│Time│Venue:
06.04.2019│2:30pm – 4:30pm│Prison Yard
Instructor:
Pichet Klunchun
Target Participants:
Aged 6 and above, with an interest in dance or Thai traditional culture
Fee:
Free admission
Remarks:
Please wear comfortable clothing and socks
Photo: TR Concept & Visual
Showcase
The Khon master Pichet Klunchun is dedicated to the promotion and continuation of this traditional Thai dance form through contemporary development and creation. His work has enriched the audience of Khon as well as establishing a unique internationally acclaimed dance style. In this showcase, Klunchun and the workshop participants will share the results of their one-week training, introducing the various “characters” in Khon and explore the future of traditional Chinese arts in a conversation with Cantonese Opera actor Paris Wong.
Date│Time│Venue:
07.04.2019│2:30pm – 4pm│JC Cube
Speaker:
Pichet Klunchun
Respondent:
Paris Wong
Target Participants:
Aged 6 and above, with an interest in dance or Thai traditional culture
Fee:
Free admission. Advance registration required
Photo: TR Concept & Visual
Pichet Klunchun
Pichet Klunchun bridges the language of traditional Thai Classical Dance with contemporary sensibilities while keeping the heart and wisdom of the custom and tradition.
Pichet has earned domestic renown for his efforts in making Khon contemporary. He has participated in international performing arts festivals in North America, Asia and Europe. Pichet founded the Pichet Klunchun Dance Company in order to create pure art performance and to train a number of fresh, young professional dancers with strong Thai classical dance backgrounds.
In 2008, Pichet received ‘Routes’ ECF Princess Margriet Award for Cultural Diversity from the European Cultural Foundation. In 2012, he received "Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Literature " from the French Ministry of Culture for his contribution to the culture in France, in Thailand and all over the world. In 2014, he received the John D. Rockefeller 3rd Award from the Asian Cultural Council.
Paris Wong
Paris Wong graduated from the School of Chinese Opera at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with a bachelor’s degree in Chinese Opera. Performing mainly in the dan role, Wong represented Hong Kong at the first Hou Baolin Cup China National Youth and Teenage Qu Yi Competition Singing Contest, where he was recognised with The Judge’s Special Award. Paris works as a producer for Cantonese opera, and in 2007 founded the Pine Moon Cantonese Cultural Arts Centre to promote Cantonese opera education. He also hosts and performs in Cantonese opera music programmes.
What is the relationship between culinary art, music, dance, architecture, machinery and contemporary art? As the saying goes, “art comes from life”, so how do we look for inspiration from life? “SHIFTING by Knowledge Transfer” invites artists and professionals from various fields to looks into the past, foresee the future and reflect on the present. Through a series of interactive workshops, lectures and showcases, they will share their experiences of transforming knowledge into art, opening up new spectrums of artistic creation to enrich people’s life and imagination.