Manipulative movement

SIX ARTISTS from Australia and Thailand are working together on an innovative performance that’s being staged from tomorrow through Sunday at Siam Paragon.
“Ersatz”, which is being presented by the Australian Embassy, bridges two performing arts and visual arts as it examines the human relationship with the natural world and the profound role of technology in our ability to manipulate space. At the heart of this investigation is an understanding of how we define and perceive the idea of space.
Unlike traditional theatre-styled performance, “Ersatz” allows the audience to move freely amongst the performers, creating a more intimate and intricate experience between the performers and the audiences.
“Ersatz” forms part of a series of work led by James Batchelor, an Australian dance artist and graduate of Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne. His Ersatz series is supported by the City of Melbourne, Arts Victoria, the ACT Government through Screen ACT and the Victorian College of the Arts.
Abby Robinson, a dance artist who has received a grant from the Australia–Thailand Institute to build collaboration in contemporary dance, has also been involved in developing this project.
The participating artists include Navinda Vadtanakovint Pachimsawat, a contemporary dance artist and graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, and visual artist Pongpassakorn Kulthirathum who will bring digital projection and animation elements into the performance.
“This project aims to establish and maintain new creative partnerships between Australia and Thailand on a professional level as well as inspire emerging dancers, artists, performers, choreographers or any art enthusiasts in Bangkok through the workshops and the performances”, Batchelor says.
 LOST IN SPACE
- “Ersatz” will be staged from tomorrow until Sunday in Paragon Cineplex’s Infinicity Hall. Showsare at 8 tomorrow 2, 4 and 8pm Saturday and 11am and 2pm on Sunday. Admission is free.