Realness : Mae Baan by Phitthaya Phaefuang aka Aurora Sun Labeija (NO/TH)

Realness : Mae Baan

by Phitthaya Phaefuang aka Aurora Sun Labeija (NO/TH)

17 October 2024 @20:00 (doors open at 19:00)

“Realness: Mae Baan” is a journey through Thailand’s traditions, gender identities and Thai Buddhist beliefs in this performance by Phitthaya Phaefuang.

According to Thai Buddhist belief, twins have been lovers in a previous life and not marrying as children will bring misfortune in this life, but Phitthaya and his twin brother were never blessed with the traditional wedding ceremony.

The twin brother has faced a lot of hardships in life, and Phitthaya wonders if this is a consequence of karma from a previous life, or if it is only injustice?

Within the ballroom scene, Phitthaya stages himself by exploring and playing with different categories of stereotypes and gender identities. Using the dance form of voguing, from ballroom culture, Thai dance and spiritual beliefs as a starting point, he restores the connection to his possible past life: are we the sum of our experiences in this life, or are we carriers of souls that have lived countless lives before us?

“Realness: Mae Baan” is a gripping and relevant performance that challenges notions of gender, identity and tradition. The performance is also a love story, about how love is something you take with you from your previous life, exists in the present and is reborn in the next life.

We get an insight into how traditions can lead to both suffering and hope.

Koreograf, utøver:Phitthaya Phaefuang aka Aurora Sun Labeija

Dramaturg: Arco Renz

Lysdesign:Ray Tseng

Lyddesign:Pisitakun Kuantalaeng

Costume design:Vorapol Suporn

Funded by:Kulturrådet

co-producers:Rosendal teater, RISK - Rimi Imir Scenekunst, BIT teatergarasjen

Special Credit:Aphisit Phaefuang, LGBTQIA+ underground ballroom culture from New York