No.60 is a contemporary dance work by Thai choreographer and dancer Pichet Klunchun, exploring the traditional Thai Khon dance form through a contemporary perspective. By studying and transforming the fixed movements of classical Khon dance, the work examines the relationship between tradition, structure, and creative expression.

About the Performance

No.60 is the result of Pichet Klunchun’s long-term research into the movement vocabulary of traditional Thai Khon dance.

Khon is a classical Thai performance form combining dance, music, masks, and poetry. The dance elements are based on a structured system of fixed movements and postures. In No.60, Pichet Klunchun examines 59 traditional postures and movements from the Khon repertoire, analysing and reorganising them into a new system.

The work explores how traditional dance can be studied, transformed, and expressed through contemporary performance. Through movement, visual elements, and a new choreographic structure, No.60 creates a dialogue between the heritage of classical dance and contemporary artistic practice.

Program Highlights

The performance consists of two choreographic sections with different approaches.

The first section presents a more abstract and structured exploration of movement. The dancers follow the reorganised movement principles, highlighting the logic and physical structure behind the traditional forms.

The second section returns to the expressive qualities of Khon dance, bringing forward more emotional and theatrical elements while maintaining the connection with the traditional movement language.

About the Artist

Pichet Klunchun

Choreographer / Dancer

Pichet Klunchun is an internationally recognised Thai choreographer and dancer. He began studying classical Khon dance at the age of 16 and has dedicated decades to researching and developing Thai traditional dance.

His work focuses on exploring the relationship between traditional Thai performance and contemporary dance. He has received international recognitions including the Prince Claus Fund Award, the French Chevalier of Arts and Letters, and the Rockefeller Award from the Asian Cultural Council.

Why Go

No.60 offers a chance to experience how a traditional dance form can be examined through a contemporary lens. Through Pichet Klunchun’s research into Khon movement, the performance presents a different way of understanding the connection between cultural heritage and new artistic expression.