Ballet and bubbles

Let's admit it: The programme for this autumn's Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music is not so diverse or cutting-edge as that of its Singapore and Hong Kong counterparts.

But with 16 grand operas, classical and modern ballet and modern and contemporary dance from overseas, in addition to contemporary jazz, the 11th edition will keep us entertained, enthralled and inspired basically every other evening for almost six weeks.

"Two of our long-time major sponsors, due to the sharp decline in their sales, had to back off," festival committee member Egasith Chotpakditrakul notes.

"After much effort, we were able to find two new sponsors, but at the same time the artists' travel expenses and the productions' freight costs are rising.

"Just the same, the number of productions we're presenting hasn't dropped. Of course we'd planned the festival and booked these companies at least a year and a half ahead, and we didn't know then what the economic situation would be now."

Regardless, Egasith insists, the organisers don't want to compromise on quality.

"Every year we have about 40,000 ticket buyers, 10 per cent from overseas, mostly Malaysia and Singapore. We can't just look down on them."

Because cash is tight, he adds, viewers will pick and choose which shows to see, so this year until July 31 there's a 10-per-cent early-bird promotion and group discounts.

Several companies, such as the Ekatarinburg Opera Theatre from Russia, are making return visits, as are some shows, among them "Carmen" and "Romeo and Juliet".

"In Russia there are fewer than 10 top opera and ballet companies, and our festival is in its 11th year, so repeat visits are inevitable," says Egasith. "But the productions they're presenting this time aren't the same."

And Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo and Fado singer Mariza are back by popular demand, he adds.

Some festival regulars may have doubts about "The Imperial Ice Stars: Cinderella on Ice". Produced by Britain's Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, best known for touring productions of "The Phantom of the Opera", it might seem a little commercial.

"To me, this show is simply amazing," Egasith insists. "I think if we don't get 'light' sometimes, we'll end up presenting the same kinds of works year after year."

As for the future, Egasith points out that there is still no government support here, unlike in many other countries where major, annual, international performing-arts festivals receive state funding.

"Of course we realise the we've only had one government that's stayed in office for more than a year or two. Hopefully, though, when politics gets more stable and they've taken care of education, the economy, communications, etc, we'll get more support.

"Otherwise, I can't promise that we can keep operating like this."

Critic's picks

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre's "Moon Water" (September 22 and 23)

If you plan to watch only one performance this year, this is it.

Lin Hwai-Min is Asia's most celebrated choreographer, and his "Moon Water" has received rave reviews. The Financial Times found the show in London last year "an exceptional work, exceptionally danced, and even more exceptional in finding harmony with its Bach score".

For more, visit www.CloudGate.org.

Kiev Modern Opera/Ballet Theatre's "Carmen TV" (September 13) and "La Forza del Destino" (September 15)

The modern ballet "Carmen TV" is by Radu Poklitaru, the Moldavian master of experimentation and deconstruction. And his deconstruction of Verdi's opera "La Forza del Destino" as a modern opera-ballet is, according to Elle magazine, "an enthralling spectacle" and "truly special".

Shanghai Ballet's "Romeo and Juliet" (October 4) and "La Sylphide" (October 8)

The Shanghai Ballet came into the spotlight almost four decades ago with "The White-Haired Girl". Today, along with National Ballet of China, which also performs Western classical repertory works as well as create new works with Chinese themes, are among the best companies in Asia.

The Shanghai troupe's principal dancers have garnered major awards around the world, and we'll get to see all of them here in their Bangkok debut.

If you need to pick one production, go for the new version of "La Sylphide" by Jean-Paul Gravier. The website is www.ShanghaiBallet.com.

Mariza (October 8)

Mariza's encore at the 2006 festival, sung without a microphone, was one of the most memorable moments of any year, the culmination of a roof-raising concert.

Rolling Stone magazine said Mariza is Fado music's "biggest star for a reason: She sings it not as musty nostalgia but as exuberant 21st-century pop". She's online at www.Mariza.com.

Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo (October 16 and 17)

The all-male New York troupe nicknamed "The Trocks" made an unforgettable Bangkok debut five years ago and this time closes the festival. They are "the world's greatest ballet parodists", the Daily Telegraph said.

Seats now on sale

Bangkok's 11th International Festival of Dance and Music runs from September 7 to October 17 at the Thailand Cultural Centre.

Tickets cost Bt400 to Bt4,000 at Thaiticketmajor online or at (02) 262 3456.

Visit www.BangkokFestivals.com for complete programme details.