About
Rooted in Thai tradition yet open to universal interpretation, MALI BUCHA: DANCE OFFERING examines how
belief systems of human spirit
adapt in our technology-driven world. While it is inspired by Rum-Kea-Bon—a 400-year-old Thai ritual dance to negotiate with higher beings—this art project expands its scope to explore how personal and collective hopes thrive in hybrid realities where economics, ecology, image, and sound intersect.
What Does ‘MALI BUCHA: DANCE OFFERING’ Mean?
- MALI BUCHA (from the Sanskrit-based Thai language) translates to “a woman who shows respect and worships sacred beings.”
- Dance Offering (or Rum-Kea-Bon in Thai) translates to “a ritual dance performed in gratitude or as a vow fulfillment.”
- Combining these ideas, MALI BUCHA: DANCE OFFERING becomes “a woman paying homage and worshipping the sacred through dance.”
In this immersive art project, dance artist, Kornkarn Rungsawang, reimagines the ancient Thai ritual of Rum-Kea-Bon by weaving traditional movement, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) together.
Project Background
Since 2007, Kornkarn has danced with Pichet Klunchun Dance Company. MALI BUCHA: DANCE OFFERING began as a personal exploration in 2021, debuting online in Bangkok, then traveling to Singapore, Germany, Indonesia, and Taiwan. In 2023, it premiered at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore.
The Exploration in 2021
Past Production
Photo credit Bernie NG
Photo credit KIAC
Photo credit Bernie NG
Photo credit KIAC
Photo credit Leeum Museum
Photo credit Bernie NG