Deconstructing the Tradition      Transforming the Body        Giving Life to Culture Contemporary Dance Lecture Performance    No. 60: Back to Basic   Khon, one of Thailand’s crowning and scared artistic treasures, is the dance theatre that combines elements including dance, drama, music, poetry, and shadow play into an art form traditionally performed in the royal courts. Pichet Klunchun, one of Thailand’s greatest masters of Khon but also arguably one of its most maverick artists, had been unwavering in his effort to unveil the mystery of the traditional Thai dance. Seeking to infuse the classical Thai dance language with contemporary sensibility while preserving its essence, Klunchun focused on the classic Thai dance canon Theppanom which consists of 59 interconnected core poses and movements fundamental for Thai dancers to master. A culmination of 20 years of work and research, Klunchun constructed “No. 60” that espouses a new set of philosophies and principles to help dancers of all backgrounds understand the entire system of movement central to classical Thai dance. The eponymous performance premiered in 2020 to critical acclaim. In No. 60: Back to Basic, Klunchun will lead four Hong Kong dancers from different disciplines in training and an exploration that transcends culture and countries. Through a lively combination of demonstration and lecture, Klunchun contemplates on the meaning of maintaining the artistic legacy and its transformation. No. 60: Back to Basic breaks the conformity and translates the spirit of Khon into the contemporary context, allowing Hong Kong dancers to showcase their uniqueness through deconstructing the fundamental Khon techniques. Creative Team Artistic Director, Choreographer and Narrator: Pichet Klunchun (Thailand) Assistant to Choreographer: Kornkarn Rungsawang CG Artist: Jaturakorn Pinpech Music and Sound Designer: Zai Tang Dancers: Kammy Lau, King Lo, Natalie Mak, Terry Tsang Remarks •    Performed in English with Cantonese simultaneous interpreting. No surtitles. •    Recommended for ages 6 and above •    No latecomers will be admitted •    Tai Kwun reserves the right to assign seats •    Programmes are subject to change without prior notice. Tai Kwun reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the arrangements. •    The events will adhere to the latest health and safety regulations and enforce social distancing measures