Unwrapping Culture brings together two dancers: Vancouver’s own Alvin Erasga Tolentino, and Pichet Klunchun to illustrate the devastating critique of the corruption of authentic Thai culture by the forces of commercialization. Klunchun is known for for contemporizing the Thai classical form of Khon dance.
Tolentino has been exploring cultural identity from the perspective of his Filipino-Canadian heritage for over a decade, and Klunchun has caused uproar in his native Thailand with his explorations placing the revered art of Khon in a more contemporary context.
“Both Pichet and I have a strong interest in how cultures develop and change, for better or worse,” says Tolentino. “This work is very different to anything I have done before – it’s loud, hard-hitting, satirical – but underneath we are asking serious questions about who owns and defines cultural heritage, and specifically about how Thailand’s traditional culture is being turned into a commodity.”
The performers share the stage with hundreds of cheap plastic toys and trinkets found in any Thai street market, and the audience moves freely around the space throughout the piece for a completely immersive experience.
The performance runs October 15-17, 2015 at 8pm at the Scotiabank Dance Centre on 677 Davie Street. Tickets are $30 and $22 for students and seniors. Call 
604-684-2787 for tickets or visit www.ticketstonight.ca or www.
thedancecentre.ca