Australian Embassy
Thailand

Press Release 2013 - Ersatz

Australian and Thai artists to wow Bangkok with Hybrid performance “Ersatz”

9 September 2013

 Six professional artists from Australia and Thailand are working together in a one of a kind contemporary dance & multimedia installation performance ‘Ersatz’. The performance will inspire audiences from 13 to 15 September 2013 at Infinicity Hall, Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. The activity is presented by the Australian Embassy, Bangkok, and Dance Arts Foundation.

Ersatz is an innovative live performance that bridges two art forms: Performing Arts and Visual Arts. It examines human relationship with the natural world and the profound role of technology in our ability to manipulate space. At the heart of this investigation is an understanding of how we define and perceive the idea of space.

Unlike traditional theatre-styled performance, Ersatz allows audiences to move freely amongst the performers, creating a more intimate and intricate experience between the performers and the audiences.

Ersatz forms part of a series of work led by James Batchelor, an Australian dance artist and graduate of Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne. His Ersatz series is supported by the City of Melbourne, Arts Victoria, the ACT Government through Screen ACT and the Victorian College of the Arts. Ms Abby Robinson, a dance artist who has received a grant from the Australia – Thailand Institute to build collaboration in contemporary dance has also been involved in developing this project.

Thai artists participating in this project are Ms Navinda Vadtanakovint Pachimsawat, a contemporary dance artist and graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, and visual artist Pongpassakorn Kulthirathum who will bring digital projection and animation elements into the performance.

“This project aims to establish and maintain new creative partnerships between Australia and Thailand on a professional level as well as inspire emerging dancers, artists, performers, choreographers or any art enthusiasts in Bangkok through the workshops and the performances”, Mr Batchelor said.

Six free-of-charge performances will be held at Siam Paragon on the following dates and times.

FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER : 8PM
SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER : 2PM, 4PM, 8PM
SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER : 11AM, 2PM

Ersatz cast

Australia:
James Batchelor – Creative Director and Performer
Emma Batchelor – Creative and Performer
Kara Burdack – Creative and Performer
Amber McCartney – Creative and Performer

Thailand:
Navinda Vadtanakovint Pachimsawat (Lordfai) – Creative and Performer
Pongpassakorn Kulthirathum (Kob) – Visual Art and Motion Graphic Designer

Click here for Thai version