Two renowned dance artists from Canada and Thailand will join hands to expose the clash between traditional and modern Thailand during Unwrapping Culture, which will be staged at Alliance Francaise on Jan 15-16 at 7.30pm.

This is the first collaboration between Alvin Erasga Tolentino and Pichet Klunchun. It combines the technique, theatricality and storytelling elements of khon masked dance to create a devastating critique of the corruption of authentic Thai culture by the forces of commercialisation, in a passionate and bitingly funny duet that immerses the audience in the conflict between traditional and modern.

The two performers will 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.

Tolentino has been exploring cultural identity from the perspective of his Filipino-Canadian heritage for over a decade. To date, he has created more than a dozen full-length works that have toured all over the world.

Pichet has caused uproar in his native Thailand with his explorations placing the revered art of khon in a more contemporary context. He has participated in several intercultural performing arts programmes as a Thai representative and as an international dancer/choreographer in Asia and Europe.

Tickets cost 400 baht (300 baht for students and members). Alliance Francaise is on Witthayu Road. Visit www.afthailande.org or call 02-670-4233.