A World-Class Circus Performance from France Redefines Art and Culture in Thailand
In a groundbreaking event, the contemporary circus performance "Cafe Oui-We!" has made its way to Bangkok, captivating audiences with its unique blend of acrobatics and human connection. This event, which runs from April 18 to May 18, 2025, is a collaboration between the renowned artist Koloe Fara and the French Embassy in Thailand, showcasing the beauty of French art and culture.
"Cafe Oui-We!" invites spectators into a world where gravity-defying stunts meet the intricate relationships between people, all set against the backdrop of a bustling café in a southern French international airport. The performance tells a compelling story through its characters, including a joyful Brazilian tourist, a dance-loving businessman, and two inseparable siblings, all of whom create unexpected bonds through emotional expression and stunning acrobatic feats.
Jarinthip Chumuenwai, the Senior Director of Arts and Culture at One Bangkok, expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, "One Bangkok aims to create a community where art and culture are integral to daily life, enhancing experiences and promoting a better quality of life for everyone. Our commitment to supporting both local and international art is evident in this collaboration with the French Embassy in Bangkok, Bonjour Bonsoir, the French-Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Bangkok Accueil."
Chumuenwai further elaborated, "This circus performance is a rare artistic endeavor in Thailand that reflects One Bangkok's vision of making art accessible to all. Cafe Oui-We! is not just ordinary entertainment; it serves as a medium inviting audiences into a world that challenges gravity, evokes emotions, and celebrates the beauty of human connections. It offers a new experience where everyone can appreciate a moment of wonder and foster relationships through art, which is a universal language."
As the performance unfolds, it promises to engage and excite audiences, leaving them with lasting impressions of joy and connection. The event is not only a showcase of acrobatics but also a celebration of cultural exchange, aiming to broaden artistic horizons and enhance creative thinking.
Tickets for "Cafe Oui-We!" can be purchased online, with the performance taking place at the French Association in Bangkok until May 18, 2025. This event represents a significant step in promoting French culture and arts in Thailand, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in the arts.
Meanwhile, in a related development, French President Emmanuel Macron has extended an invitation to international scientists to relocate to France. This call, particularly aimed at researchers from the United States, comes in light of concerns regarding the political climate affecting academic freedom and funding in the U.S.
"Researchers from all nations, please choose France, choose Europe," Macron posted on platform X, emphasizing that research is a priority in France, where innovation is a cultural value and science knows no boundaries. The French government plans to launch a funding initiative to support universities and research institutions in attracting international scientists.
Macron's invitation follows a turbulent period for U.S. academia, particularly under the administration of former President Donald Trump, who has been critical of institutions like Harvard University, threatening to revoke their tax benefits and labeling them as political organizations. Trump's administration has also proposed significant cuts to funding for leading universities in the Boston area, amounting to $2.2 billion.
In response to these challenges, Macron's initiative aims to position France as a welcoming destination for scientific talent, reinforcing the country's commitment to excellence in research and innovation. The call for applications for international scientists is set to open soon, providing an opportunity for those seeking a supportive environment for their work.
In addition to these cultural and scientific initiatives, the Vietnam-France Friendship Association has been active in promoting educational exchanges between Vietnam and France. Recent activities have included a cultural exchange program involving Hon Gai High School, Ha Long Friendship School, and the ABCDE organization from France, aimed at enhancing French language skills among students.
The association has successfully facilitated exchanges over the years, including sending Vietnamese medical professionals to Strasbourg and hosting French delegations in Vietnam. The focus for the upcoming term, 2025-2030, will be on strengthening partnerships and expanding new collaborations, particularly in education and tourism, to foster goodwill between Quang Ninh province and France.
As part of its commitment to cultural diplomacy, the association recently appointed a new board of directors, with Mr. Nguyen Trong Dien as president and Ms. Nguyen Thi Thien as vice president. The association aims to enhance its role in community health care and vocational training, reflecting a dedication to building bridges between cultures.
Overall, these initiatives highlight the importance of cultural exchange and international cooperation in enriching communities and promoting understanding across borders. With events like "Cafe Oui-We!" and Macron's call to scientists, both France and Thailand are taking significant steps toward fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
