The Intermission of No.60

By Pichet Klunchun (Thailand)

Premieres 12 Oct 2020, Mon, 8pm
Language: Thai with English subtitles
Duration: 20mins

After showing his work-in-progress at Forward Shift as part of da:ns festival 2019, Pichet Klunchun went on to premiere No. 60 at TPAM 2020 in Japan and performed the work again at Taipei Arts Festival in August 2020. A culmination of 20 years of work and research focused on exploring the classic Thai dance canon Theppanom, which consists of 59 core poses and movements all Thai dancers have to master, No. 60 represents what could conceivably be the future of classical Thai dance.

As opposed to actual dance movements or a physical routine, No. 60 instead espouses a new set of philosophies and principles that undergirds the classical Thai dance system. The Singapore premiere of No. 60 at da:ns festival 2020 was postponed due to COVID-19, and will now take place at da:ns festival 2022.

In this mini-documentary, deep-dive into No.60 as well as Pichet’s artistic practice and life’s work. Get behind the scenes with the choreographer as he shares his stories and experiences as a classically trained Thai dancer who designs and arranges contemporary dance pieces, his process in creating this seminal work and what he thinks it bodes for the future of the dance community in Thailand.

Produced during these unprecedented times,The Intermission of No.60 also documents the other aspects of Pichet's life by looking at what he does at home and during quarantine. In addition to reflecting on his lifetime of work and research, Pichet also discusses the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on his practice, his company and his plans to take his new work on tour.

No. 60 and The Intermission of No.60 were commissioned by Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.

Catch No. 60 by Pichet Klunchun Dance Company at Esplanade Theatre Studio from 21−23 Oct 2022, as part of da:ns festival 2022.

About Pichet Klunchun

Pichet Klunchun seeks to infuse the classical Thai dance language with contemporary sensibility while preserving its heart and spirit. Known for his efforts in updating the Thai dance genre Khon, Pichet founded Pichet Klunchun Dance Company in 2010 to create authentic art performances and nurture a new generation of professional dancers with strong backgrounds in classical Thai dance. Since 2010, Pichet and his dance company have participated in various intercultural performing arts programs held in North America, Asia and Europe.

Pichet has also received numerous international honours including the ECF Princess Margriet Award for Cultural Diversity from the European Cultural Foundation in 2008, the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters from the French Ministry of Culture in 2012, and the John D. Rockefeller 3rd Award given by the Asian Cultural Council in 2014.

Cover photo by Supachok Pichetkul