A dance of light

It's been 12 days since we saw our last production of "Carmen". Time for another helping!

The appetiser, an extraordinary version from Ukraine that lifted more from Merimee's novel than Bizet's opera, is followed this weekend and next by a rendition from a new veteran-filled troupe called 12 Inch.

This "Carmen", a co-production with Alliance Francaise de Bangkok, promises an even more exciting concept than the Kiev production.

Imagine nang talung - the shadow puppets of southern Thailand - performing French opera.

Director Kriengsak "Victor" Silakong, who's also artistic director of the World Film Festival of Bangkok, loves intercultural experimentation. His last production was the 2007 likay version of Marivaux's "The Island of Slaves", and was a great success.

Victor says "Carmen" has been close to his heart ever since he translated it from French to Thai when he was a student at Cours Florent.

A Yala native himself, he's added a character to the story for this presentation - I Teng, the most famous clown in nang talung.

"He steps in again and again, making remarks, misinterpreting things and contradicting himself, in the southern Thai dialect," Victor says.

Can't settle down

This "Carmen" - with Meuanphun Ampunsang as Carmen and Yuko Nakamura as Michaela - also features video, contemporary Western dance and Rapeeporn Pratum-Anon singing opera, accompanied by Weeraphong Thaweesak.

"We shouldn't find something we're comfortable with and then just settle down until we die," insists Victor's co-director and choreographer, Jitti Chompee, acclaimed for "Remember What You've Done in 24 Hours" and "In Tune".

"We should be able to keep searching for what we are and what we want to say."

We know the story and we know the music. Now let's watch and hear "Carmen" in a way we never thought possible.

 FRESH VISION

>> "Carmen" is at the Alliance Francaise on South Sathorn Road tomorrow and Sunday and October 3 and 4, each evening at 7.30.

>> Tickets are Bt400 (Bt250 for members and students).

 >> Call (02) 670 4231 or e-mail TwelveInchBkk@gmail.com.