Chulalongkorn University's Institute of Asian Studies and the Thailand Research Fund present "Our Roots Right Now: A Research Forum and Festival of Thai/Asean Contemporary Theatre" at the Department of Dramatic Arts, the Faculty of Arts. Scheduled to run from Saturday to Jan 28, the 10-day event will consist of a scholarly conference, artist dialogues and round-table sessions, workshops and critical discussions.

As the project highlights contemporary theatre created from the cultural roots of Asean countries, each day will conclude with three performances starting at 7.30pm (there will be only one show on Jan 28).

The line-up has 16 performances from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

Saturday and Sunday: Yok Rob, a contemporary shadow puppet show based on Ramakien, a Thai version of the Indian epic Ramayana; Lanka Sip Ho which is adapted from the Tai-Lue version Ramayana; and Tam Kai which reinterprets the story from Thai literature Phra Lor. All from Thailand.

Monday and Tuesday: Muet, a new interpretation of a Ramakien episode from Thailand; Rooted In Silat featuring Malay court dance and contemporary dance from Malaysia; and Dancing With The Ghost Of My Child; an evolving body-based performance series from Singapore.

Jan 23: Mon's Hong Thong; Tai Kinnara Dance, a cultural performance of Tai ethnic group; and Nora: Klong Hong. All from Thailand.

Jan 24-25: Bach: Cello Suites and Ferocious Compassion, a double bill from Cambodia's Amrita Performing Arts; Fauwn Leb/Identity, a fingernail dance from the north of Thailand; and Q&A, a solo performance from Singapore.

Jan 26-27: Sinxai, a contemporary puppet show from Laos; The Return Of Wanthong based on epic Thai poem Khun Chang Khun Phaen from Thailand; and Dancing Girl, a solo performance from India.

Jan 28: Fire, Fire, Fire, a triple bill of new dance works by three of Southeast Asia's most notable choreographers from Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Admission to the conference, talks and discussions are free of charge, while tickets to the evening programme cost 500 baht (300 baht for dance and theatre professionals or adults under 27 years old and 200 baht for students) including the privilege of joining any workshop. Tickets can be purchased from CU Book Centre (Siam Square).

For reservations, call 02-218-4802 or 081-559-7252 (for Thai speakers) and 088-643-7664 (for English speakers).
For more details, visit www.facebook.com/OurRootsRightNow.