FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IBM 1401 comes to Bangkok – A Fusion of Dance, Theatre, and Old Technology
Bangkok, 8 May 2024 – Delve into the intricate relationship between humanity and technology with “IBM 1401,” a groundbreaking contemporary dance theatre piece directed and choreographed by New York-based Thai visionary Sai Somboon, representing Thailand’s innovative arts collective, Glom, and in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University.
This captivating performance is set to grace the stage of Sodsai Theatre, Chulalongkorn University, from July 5th to 21st, with both afternoon and evening showings available.
The show has been described as “a mesmerising blend of fluid choreography and compelling storytelling that paints a vivid picture of the early interactions between humans and machines.”
Live String Ensemble
The performance will be accompanied by a live, 6-piece string ensemble with talented violinists, alto, cello and double bass from The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Thai Navy Orchestra, Pro Musica and Chulalongkorn Symphony Orchestra.
The ensemble will recreate the ethereal score “IBM 1401, A User’s Manual” by Icelandic musician Jóhann Jóhannsson, which combines string with the buzzing and whirring sounds of IBM’s variable-wordlength decimal computer that was launched by IBM in 1959.
Combined with dance and performance, IBM 1401 explores the themes of connection, resilience and obsession in the mid-century, as musicians and performers navigate the complexities of the human spirit in an era of rapid technological advancement.
A Moving Cast
The magic of “IBM 1401” is brought to life by a talented cast of performers who embody the spirit of the two person narrative with every move. Leads Anand Wongpaisan, Praeploy Tomuan, Thanarat Chompoowanichakul, and Pavida Wachirapanyaporn will share the two roles with understudies Artitaya Saosompop and Thanakit Karamad waiting in the wings.
“IBM 1401 invites audiences to reflect on the profound ways in which technology shapes our lives and relationships. Ultimately, the performance serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds that unite us as we navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving world.” – Sai Somboon, Director
Performance Details:
- Dates: July 5 – 21 (Performances on July 5-7, July 12-14, and July 19-21)
- Times: Afternoon and Evening showings
- Venue: Sodsai Theatre, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
Full Schedule
- Friday July 5: 2pm, 8pm
- Saturday July 6: 2pm, 8pm
- Sunday July 7: 2pm, 6pm
- Friday July 12: 2pm, 8pm
- Saturday July 13: 2pm, 8pm
- Sunday July 14: 2pm, 6pm
- Friday July 19: 2pm, 8pm
- Saturday July 20: 2pm, 8pm
- Sunday July 21: 2pm, 6pm
Tickets
- 1,200 Baht for Adults
- 500 Baht for Students
Tickets can be purchased on TicketMelon
https://www.ticketmelon.com/glomtheater/ibm1401?aff1=pressrelease
More information can be found at www.glom.cm/ibm-1401 on Facebook at https://fb.me/e/1RHEbY0Ko or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/glom_ibm1401/
Hashtags: #ibm1401 #glom #glom1401 #1401Bangkok #GlominBangkok #glomcnx
Posters and usable images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SXsLLXFdZ_3Y6EEmLJaEonWQglkLPQN6?usp=sharing
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About Glom
Glom is a groundbreaking Chiang Mai-based theatre company redefining what it means to experience live performance art in Northern Thailand through direct sensory experiences.
Founded in 2022, their underlying mission is to push boundaries and expand the horizon of what is creatively possible through interactive, sensory events that go far beyond the traditional stage. Founded by amateurs and guided by professionals, Glom is more than just a theatre group – it’s a journey of self-discovery and exploration into the very heart of the human condition. And may it always be so.
IBM 1401: Full Synopsis
“IBM 1401” is a contemporary dance/theatre piece set in the early 1960s, which explores the complex interplay between humanity and technology. A GLOM production in collaboration with the Department of Dramatic Arts at Chulalongkorn University, it is directed and choreographed by Sai Somboon. The performance captures the tensions and essence of human connection through the initial emergence of the digital age.
Throughout the piece, the performers express the profound impact of machines on human society while exploring the enduring bonds that unite us.
In concert with the dancers is a live string ensemble performing the seminal score by Jóhann Jóhansson. Altogether, the performers create a rich tapestry of sound and movement.
As the piece unfolds, themes of connection, resilience, and obsession emerge, highlighting the complexities of the human spirit in the face of technological change. Dancers engage in solo performances and intimate duets with each other and their environment.
“IBM 1401” invites audiences to reflect on the profound ways in which technology shapes our lives and relationships. Ultimately, the piece serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds that unite us as we navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving world.
Full Cast:
Director & Choreographer: Sai Somboon (ทราย สมบูรณ์)
Assistant Director: Prapassorn Khonmuang (ประภัสสร คอนเมือง)
Producer: Nontawat Machai (นลธวัช มะชัย)
Artistic Director: Marisa Marchitelli (มาริสา มาคีเทลลี่)
Musical Director: Jonas Dept (โจนัด เดปท์)
Sound Designer: Jean-David Caillouët
Leads:
Anand Wongpaisan (อานันท์ วงศ์ไพศาล) “Boon”
Praeploy Tomuan (แพรพลอย โตเหมือน) “Pam”
Thanarat Chompoowanichakul (ธนารัฐ ชมพูวณิชกุล) “Jet”
Pavida Wachirapanyaporn (ภาวิดา วชิรปัญญาพร) “Mint”
Understudies:
Artitaya Saosompop (อาธิตญา เสาสมภพ) “Music”
Thanakit Karamad (ธนกฤต การะมัด) “Seed”
String Ensemble:
Violin 1: Jirapahn Khaokum (จิรปาณ ขาวคำ)
– Pro Musica
– Princess Galyani Vadhana Orchestra (Concertmaster)
Violin 2: Nirutsa Usomboon (นิรัฐศา อยู่สมบูรณ์)
– Chulalongkorn Symphony Orchestra (CU)
– Royal Thai Navy Orchestra
Violin 3: Apudom Kasemsathitsathaphorn (อภูดม เกษมสถิตสถาพร)
– Royal Thai Army Orchestra
– Princess Galyani Vadhana Orchestra
Alto: Phanupong Sermpongpaisal (ภาณุพงศ์ เสริมพงษ์ไพศาล)
– Chulalongkorn Symphony Orchestra (CU)
– Royal Thai Navy Orchestra
Cello: Rapeepat Munyanon (รพีพัฒน์ มัญยานนท์)
– Royal Bangkok Symphony (RBSO)
– Royal Thai Navy Orchestra (Principal of Cellist)
Double Bass: Prawwanitsita Neesanant (แพรววนิตสิตา ณีศะนันท์)
– Royal Bangkok Symphony (RBSO)