Invites youth to explore 'The Miscellany of Khon'

The Miscellany of Khon is a collaboration supported by the Ministry of Culture and the Queen Sawang Vadhana Foundation, aimed at fostering the rich heritage of Khon performance (Thai masked dance drama) through a contemporary artistic lens.

This initiative seeks to enhance the appreciation of Khon among the Thais, particularly the younger generation.

The Miscellany of Khon program represents a culmination of creative endeavours born from a profound understanding of Thai traditional dance, drawing from the expertise of revered Thai dance masters and Khon performance specialists.

Spearheaded by Jitti Chompee, an internationally acclaimed contemporary artist serving as the project's artistic director and performance designer, this initiative aims to capture the essence of Khon through the lens of contemporary art, transcending borders onto the global stage.

Having already graced cities such as La Rochelle and Limoges in France, as well as Santiago de Cali in Colombia, towards the close of 2023, the program showcases a multifaceted experience. It comprises a six-episode documentary film meticulously crafted from extensive research, delving into captivating aspects of Khon performances that embody both traditional and historical significance.

Furthermore, attendees can explore The Miscellany of Khon book, immerse themselves in a captivating photo exhibition, and witness live Khon performances presented in both traditional and contemporary forms. This approach seeks to enlighten the new generation about the value of Khon heritage and the exquisite arts and culture of Thailand.

Jitti Chompee, says, "The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Office of the Permanent Secretary, the Fine Arts Department, and the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, partnered with the Queen Sawang Vadhana Foundation to spearhead a project aimed at promoting Khon through contemporary arts and culture on the global stage. This initiative involved sending a delegation of Khon artists to organize showcases in France and Colombia in 2023, garnering significant interest from international audiences. As this program was unprecedented in Thailand, the team recognized the importance of bringing the experience back home. Thus, we launched the 'Miscellany of Khon' project in Thailand, offering Thai people the opportunity to engage with international-level works and deepen their understanding of Khon through contemporary art and culture. This endeavour includes presenting various facets of Khon performances and trivia, enabling the new generation to appreciate Khon with enhanced insight."

Canon lends its support to this cultural endeavour by sponsoring state-of-the-art equipment, including the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-541 for the creation of exquisite printed photos for the exhibition.

Additionally, Canon has provided the cutting-edge Canon Cinema EOS R5C camera to capture video footage of the performances.

Phongthep Prasertvoranan, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Canon Marketing (Thailand), says, “Khon, a masked dance drama in Thailand, was recognized by Unesco as an Intangible Heritage in 2018. Renowned for its delicate beauty and unique costumes, Khon drama necessitates advanced imaging technology to accurately capture its intricate details. Canon proudly supports the ‘Miscellany of Khon’ program, providing the EOS R5C hybrid cinema camera and imagePROGRAF PRO-541 printer. This partnership underscores Canon's dedication to fostering Thai arts and culture while showcasing the versatility of our imaging technology across various sectors, from business to education and leisure.”

The Miscellany of Khon event is set to be held from February 29 to March 2, 2024, at Slow Combo, Bangkok, near Samyan Mitrtown and MRT Samyan Station. Tickets for the event are now available at www.ticketmelon.com.