Pichet Klunchun (Thailand)

Pichet Klunchun bridges traditional Thai classical dance language with contemporary sensibility, while keeping the heart and wisdom of the convention. He trained in the Thai classical mask dance, Khon, from age 16 with Chaiyot Khummanee, one of the best Khon masters in Thailand, and has a degree in Thai classical dance from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. He became a dancer and choreographer in major productions, including the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok. He later pursued his interest in contemporary dance and earned domestic notoriety for his efforts in contemporising Khon. Founder and artistic director of Pichet Klunchun Dance Company he is known for his intercultural projects in Asia and Europe, characterised by his innate sensitivity and understanding. He received the first-ever European Cultural Foundation Routes Princess Margriet Award for Cultural Diversity in 2008. The award honours artists and thinkers for their contribution to an affirmative understanding of cultural diversity, and for helping to combat fear and disrespect of the ‘other’.