OCTOBERFEST at BACC brings politics, art, and beer.
In a vibrant mash-up of democracy and artistic flair, B-Floor Theatre and Dinsorsee Group, together with the Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC), present “OCTOBERFEST” — a four-day festival that fuses Thailand’s political past with cutting-edge performances, engaging talks, and a bustling marketplace. And yes, in case you’re wondering, there’s beer—because what’s a festival without a little liquid courage to help digest the history?
Spanning two weekends, October 5-6 and 12-13, 2024, the OCTOBERFEST at BACC aims to offer attendees a space to reflect on the country’s past while embracing the present through art and dialogue.
A Reflection on October’s Uprisings
In Thailand’s political landscape, October carries profound historical weight, with events such as the October 14, 1973, and October 6, 1976, uprisings marking pivotal moments in the country’s fight for democracy. The OCTOBERFEST draws on these events to create a space for remembrance, discussion, and artistic exploration, reminding attendees that history’s pain can also be a vehicle for learning and growth.
While the name “OCTOBERFEST” playfully recalls Germany’s famed beer festival, this iteration is deeply rooted in Thai political history. The festival blends the joy of community gatherings with the gravity of democracy’s struggles, offering a creative approach to understanding complex socio-political themes. Art performances, workshops, and talks will provide opportunities for participants to explore and engage with democracy in a way that is both accessible and transformative.
Theatrical Spotlight
At the heart of the festival is a performance by B-Floor Theatre, known for its bold and avant-garde productions. The play, “The Making of the Otherland in the Afternoon Late Late GMT+7 on the Back of the Almost Fifth Tiger Behind the Berlin Wall (Not Really),” takes viewers on a surreal journey into a world of propaganda, commercialisation, and political absurdity. Set against the backdrop of Cold War tensions, the story follows a theatre troupe as they attempt to navigate the art world’s demands for commercial viability. With product placements, exaggerated performances, and biting humour, this piece exemplifies B-Floor Theatre’s chaotic yet sharp style.
Marketplace for Democracy
In addition to its rich artistic offerings, OCTOBERFEST will feature a bustling Democratic Marketplace, showcasing stalls from grassroots pro-democracy organisations like FreeArts and Friends, Prachathiptype, Fadiaokan, and See-Sow-Seeds. These vendors will offer a range of creative goods, from politically charged art to handmade crafts, all aimed at fostering a sense of community and shared values.
The marketplace invites attendees to engage with democracy not just as a concept but as something tangible and interactive, with the marketplace evoking the spirit of a fair. The market’s festive atmosphere will bring together activists, artists, and the public, demonstrating that democracy can be celebrated while encouraging critical thought.
ARTS AND CULTURE
A Timeless Journey through Phimai National Museum
Nestled in the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima province, a mere 325 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, the Phimai National Museum has recently undergone a stunning transformation. This newly renovated cultural haven promises visitors an immersive journey through the rich history of Phimai’s past, seamlessly blending ancient history with cutting-edge exhibition techniques.
>> Read more
Conversations Across Generations
A highlight of the festival is the “Duo Talk Series,” featuring intellectuals, activists, and artists from different generations. The discussions promise to provide valuable insights into the intersections of art, memory, and political change.
October 5: October MEMO with Prof. Thongchai Winichakul (via video), Assoc. Prof. Puangthong Pawakapan, and Pakavadi Veerapaspong, followed by a rap performance by “Iseast”.
October 6: October TIKTOK with Prof. Charnvit Kasetsiri and activist Mind Phatsaravalee Tanakitvibulpon, with a musical performance by “Samanchon Band”.
October 12: October Maya featuring activist Sombat Boonngamanong and a performance by Pingpong Sirisak.
October 13: October of the People with former MP Pannika Wanich and lawyer Jam Sasinan Thamnithinan, followed by a performance from “HOPE Band”.
Complementing these talks, the Common Sense Poets group will offer poignant poetry readings, further blending the festival’s artistic and intellectual elements.
Creative Workshops and Culinary Experiences
For those looking to engage hands-on, “OCTOBERFEST” will offer a range of workshops where participants can blend creativity with reflection. These workshops, designed for all ages, encourage attendees to express their own interpretations of democracy and freedom through various art forms:
- Democracy Cookie Design by Mad Sugar invites participants to decorate cookies with political motifs, offering a sweet yet subversive twist on baking.
- Indy-pendant Polymer Clay by Roma Hola allows attendees to craft their own accessories, creating personalised pendants or phone grips from polymer clay.
- Pim Jai LinoCut by Alive Studio gives participants the chance to design and print their own democratic artwork using traditional LinoCut techniques on tote bags and notebook covers.
Attendees can also enjoy a selection of craft beer and food, adding a culinary element to this dynamic celebration of democracy and creativity.
A Festival for Reflection and Action
As a festival that blends art, history, and activism, OCTOBERFEST offers a space where attendees can celebrate democracy while also reflecting on its ongoing struggles. Whether through theatre, market stalls, music, or hands-on workshops, the festival serves as a reminder that democracy is a living, breathing entity—one that thrives through community engagement and creative expression.
Democracy Comes at a Price
At OCTOBERFEST, democracy isn’t just an ideal—it’s got a price tag.
For the modest sum of THB 100, visitors can wander the marketplace, where democracy is up for grabs in the form of artisanal crafts and politically-charged cookies. Want a little more? Fork over THB 800 to witness a stage performance where satire, absurdity, and history collide.
