Thai classical dance - reinterpreted
The movements of both the humans and avatars in Cyber Subin are based on ‘Mae Bot Yai’ (59 poses from a traditional Thai masked dance, Khon), but are reinterpreted through digital processes. The dancers are challenged to react, resist or dance along with the avatars.
For more than two decades, Klunchun has been studying the movements of Khon dance and looking for ways to reinterpret them. Cyber Subin was developed by him in four phases: capturing movements, codifying according to six principles, developing an interface to interact with avatars, and experimenting with dancers and AI.
UNESCO heritage
Khon, performed since the 14th century, was added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018. As such, the performance is not only about the interaction between man and machine, but also offers a new approach to cultural preservation. Cyber (derived from cybernetics) Subin ('dream' in Thai) shows how tradition does not have to be static, but rather alive and evolving.
Cyber Subin
Pichet Klunchun Dance Company
11-13 June, Muziekgebouw