Neilson Hays Library to Hold Performance Art Fundraisers in November
September 14 – Neilson Hays Library will join forces with the renowned Thai choreographer Jitti Chompee and his 18 Monkeys Dance Theatre to hold two contemporary dance performances in November to raise funds for the library.
The library, which has been reopened this year after the renovation of its historic 96-year-old landmark building, will become home to international artists who will join together on stage for two performances, Piazzolla & 18Monkeys and Party Animal.
“Our library’s mission is to educate through arts and it coincides with the vision of the accomplished Thai choreographer Jitti Chompee; therefore, we are happy to partner with Jitti for this collaboration which will bring world class artists to Thailand and offer exquisite dance and music to the public,” says Nalin Vanasin, President of the Neilson Hays Library Association Board.
Abstract and conceptual art is not there to confuse us but rather to give us freedom for interpretation and make us think. It is important for me to propose a different, original program to the library and the local audience, not only to differentiate my choreography from other artists but also to give the opportunity to younger generations to be exposed to inspiring conceptual arts. I believe that performing arts can make a strong impression on young people while being an alternative way for them to learn.
Moreover, by doing so, I hope to contribute to changing Thailand’s image by making it a destination for the contemporary art scene,” says Jitti Chompee. The performance art fundraisers will open with the world premiere of Jitti Chompee’s latest piece Party Animal that will be on show at the library from November 16 to 19, while on November 26 and 27, Astor Piazzolla’s music will fill the library for Piazzolla & 18 Monkeys.
The Neilson Hays Library will hold two charity nights (one for each performance) with an aim to raise funds to cover the library’s educational and cultural activities, as well as the building’s maintenance costs for 2019. The charity night for Party Animal will take place on November 16, while the charity night for Piazzolla & 18 Monkeys performance will take place on November 27.
All performances will start at 7:30 PM. Ticket price for Party Animal Charity night is 3000 baht, ticket price for Piazzolla & 18 Monkeys Charity night is 3500 baht. The ticket price for the rest of the performance nights are at 1000 baht and 400 baht for students.
Jitti Chompee will also be holding a talk on October 17 th at the library about his performance pieces. Press are cordially invited to attend.
To book tickets for this event, please write to [email protected] or [email protected]. For more information about the dance performances and the fundraiser, please visit neilsonhayslibrary.org The production is made possible with the kind support of sponsors Singha Corporation, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, The Jim Thompson Art Center, ProMusica, Wine Garage and Rumpuree World Dance Studio.
Piazzolla & 18 Monkeys:
This prodigious intercultural piece features mythology from the East and music from the West, wherein Thai traditional mask dancers illustrate an epic story to the rhythm of tango by Astor Piazzolla, the world’s foremost composer of tango music.
In this performance, dancers will share the stage with a live music trio, including the bandoneonist Daniel Ruggiero, which is led by Astor Piazzolla’s grandson Daniel, and musicians from Pro Musica. Together they will perform the most extensive Astor Piazzolla’s music repertoire in Bangkok to date.
Debuted as 18 Monkeys in 2010, this piece has been revisited after Jitti Chompee and his 18Monkeys Dance Theatre was invited to work with Escalandrum. It premiered at Teatro San Martin, Buenos Aires in 2015.
Performers: Anucha Sumaman, Benjamin Tardif, Dovydas Strimaitis and Sukadeva Joshua Horn
Musicians: Daniel Ruggiero – Bandoneon , Tasana Nagavajara – Violin, Panyaphat Wongwechwiwat – Violoncello
Direction and Choreography: Jitti Chompee
Costume Designer: Anurak Thangsomboon
Still Photographer: Boaz Zippor
Lighting: Jirach Eaimsa-ard
Music: Astor Piazzolla
Party Animal
Inspired by the mythical BERGHAIN, Berlin’s ultimate destination for electronic music, the acclaimed Thai choreographer Jitti Chompee’s piece explores the underground nightlife with its mysterious beings and sexual energy. In this playground where anything and everything is possible, humans become animals to free their primal behavior and inner most desires and remain in a perpetual state of euphoria and excitement.
Party Animal is the latest creation by Jitti and its world premiere will be at the Neilson Hays Library Fundraiser. The piece will incorporate Jitti’s shocking, stunting images, crazy and humorous personal style with organic dance compositions.
Performers: Benjamin Tardif, Dovydas Strimaitis, Sukadeva Joshua Horn and Pattarasuda Anuman Rajadhon Direction, Concept, Choreography and Photography: Jitti Chompee
Lighting: Jirach Eaimsa-ard
