Kornkarn Rungsawang’s MALI BUCHA is a developmental idea that combines augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and dance. It is a hybrid dance performance that presents an updated and alternative form to the time-honored RUM-KEA-BON where devotees can journey between physical and digital worlds. It is an interactive/immersive performance; audience members are invited to make their wishes or prayers to a digital shrine. The digital shrine is an imaginary space where hopes, desires and beliefs can reside; it is an imaginary space of negotiation between the mundane and the divine.

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The creation of MALI BUCHA is inspired by the Thai traditional performance called “RUM-KEA-BON”, an art form created where dance is used as a negotiation tool between human and higher or sacred beings; for making requests or wishes to the sacred beings. As humans, we see ourselves not as mere subjects who beg from the higher-ups but as beings who have something to offer in exchange, when our wishes are fulfilled.

 

This traditional Thai dance of RUM-KEA-BON has become an entrenched cultural practice since 400 years ago. It is a vernacular form, the ‘people’s dance’, carving a space of hope, aspiration, and spirituality. The spiritual space is usually created in shrines and these shrines are mostly found on street corners in Thailand. The Thai phrase of ‘RUM-KEA-BON’ literally translates to ‘dance offering,’ and it has evolved and adapted itself through changing social and cultural practices in Thailand.

 

Between the physical world of the devotees and the digital portal of the shrine, Kornkarn is present to assist in ‘sending’ these wishes and prayers through dance to higher beings in the digital shrine. More than that, she also conveys the gift of dance to the higher beings when someone’s wish, or prayer is answered. In other words, Kornkarn becomes an interface between the physical and the digital spaces, between mortal and immortal worlds, between wishes, prayers, desires and fulfillment, satisfaction, success. Mali Bucha presents a contemporary perspective on the power of collective beliefs and spirituality.

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ARTISTIC & PRODUCTION CREDITS

Concept, Choreography and Dance: Kornkarn RUNGSAWANG

Sound Design: Zai TANG

Lighting Design: Asako MIURA

Dramaturge: TANG Fu Kuen

Dramaturgy Production Stage Manager: YAP Seok Hui

VR & Video Design/Operation: Takuya MATSUMI & Junnosuke HARA

VR & Video Development Coordination:       Kazue SUZUKI

Costume Design: Manit THEPPAIMAPORN, Kanapoot VIRUTTANACHAI 

Producer: Sojirat SINGHOLKA

International Distribution: Stéphane NOËL / Materialise

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Mali Bucha: Dance Offering is a commission of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay (Singapore / SG), in co-production with Kinosaki International Arts Center (Toyooka / JP).

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The project also benefited from residency and research support from Chang Theatre & Pichet Klunchun Dance Company (Bangkok / TH), Dance Nucleus (Singapore / SG), Tanz Kongress (Mainz / DE), Indonesian Dance Festival (Jakarta / ID), Tijmur Arts Festival (Pingtung County / TW), and Kinosaki International Arts Center (Toyooka / JP)