The "Thai Khon x Contemporary MR" project bridges the gap between tradition and technology, reimagining the classical Thai dance-drama Khon and UK contemporary practice through the lens of Mixed Reality (MR). A collaboration between Thai Creative Technologist Sufee Yama and Utopia Lab Studio with British artist Katie Dale-Everett, the project was born out of their shared fascination with Motion Capture and MR technology during a remote creative residency at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Supported by the British Council's "Connections Through Culture 2023" initiative, we have been working to make both Khon and contemporary dance more accessible and engaging for audiences worldwide.
At its core, the project uses MR technology to transform the way people learn and experience dance. Typically, mastering Khon or contemporary dance requires either in person instruction or hours of 2D video practice. This project changes that by introducing an app designed for VR/MR headset - Meta Quest 3, allowing users to learn these art forms in their own environments. Using Motion Capture data from professional dancers, the app places virtual dance avatars in the real world. Users can mimic their movements and receive visual effects feedback, creating an interactive and immersive experience.
One of the project’s goals is to remove the exclusivity surrounding Khon, an art form often seen as reserved for a specific audience. By including Khon and contemporary dance and presenting it in a digital format, the project welcomes everyone to engage with these traditions. This democratization of dance can extend to people in remote areas and even those with physical and mental limitations. The focus isn’t just on teaching the technical aspects of dance but also promotes a genuine appreciation for the cultural significance of these art forms.
