Thai classical music and Classical Dance, Khon, Hun Lakhon and Likae
Travel Tools
Weather
Currency Converter
Thailand Maps
Thailand Tourist line
Photo Gallery
About Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur


Home : What to See in Thailand > Traditional Music and Classical Dance

TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND CLASSICAL DANCE

Thai classical music originated in the Sukhothai era, and two kinds of Thai ensemble evolved. One is a tuned percussion ensemble called pi phat which accompanies theatre performances and boxing matches. The other is mahori in which there are stringed instruments.

One of the most fascinating of Thai arts is classical dance, which was influenced by Indian culture. It was reformed to become Thailand’s own style in the reign of King Rama II.

Khon is the classical masked dance originally performed only in the royal court. The scenes of the traditional khon are taken from episodes in Thai literature based on the Indian Ramayana epic.

Nang yai shadow theatre came to Thailand from the South and is thought to have originated in the Srivijaya empire. Nang yai puppets are made of leather pierced with a decorative pattern to depict a particular scene in the story. Light bamboo rods are attached to the figure so that the puppeteer can hold it before or behind a screen. The story is told by singing and recitative and by moving the puppet figures. The flickering light from a bonfire, using smoke-free dried coconut shells as fuel, helps to bring the puppets to life.

Nang talung is another version of the shadow puppet but using much smaller puppets handled by a seated puppeteer. The shadow theatre depicts folk tales with a raucous humour that satirises the current political situation. There is a musical accompaniment, using the folk ensemble of oboe, drums and gongs.

Hun lakhon lek are the traditional Thai small puppets that are rarely seen today. The puppet master, Sakorn Yangkhiawsod, widely known as Joe Louis, devoted his life to the revival of this performing art. He founded the Hun Lakhon Lek Joe Louis troupe, who now play regularly at Bangkok’s Suan Lum Night Bazaar.

Likae is a kind of folk performance with simple story lines meant for unsophisticated audiences. Each performance is accompanied by traditional music and dance. The performances are staged by wandering troupes at Temple fairs, community gatherings, or events such as the opening of a market.

CULTURAL TREATS

SIAM NIRAMIT: This spectacular show is an 80-minute magical mystery tour through Thai culture and history. It is extremely lavish and technically accomplished, and designed with both Thais and tourists in mind. It offers magical illusions, aerial performances, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, special effects, stunts, and a cast of thousands one of whom is a live elephant.
• Tiam Ruammit Road near Thailand Cultural Centre. Tel: 0 2649 9233, 0 2649 9222 ext 138-140. www.siamniramit.com.

JOE LOUIS THEATRE: Hun Lakhon Lek Joe Louis is the only troupe still performing hun lakhon lek traditional puppet plays. Unlike any other traditional Thai puppets, the Joe Louis puppets are able to imitate a range of human gestures, and through these gestures express emotion. A visit to the theatre includes an opportunity to see the process of making a Thai traditional mask.
• Bangkok Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Rama IV Road. Subway station: Lumphini. Tel: 0 2252 9683/4. www.joelouis-theater.com.

PHUKET FANTASEA: A unique cultural theme complex, Phuket FantaSea is nighttime cultural theme park on Phuket. The stunning 140-acre theme park complex features a festival village with carnivals, games, handicrafts and shopping; a 4,000- seat Golden Kinnaree restaurant offering a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisine; a breathtaking Palace of the Elephants theatrical show, where state-ofthe-art technology and special effects enhance the beauty of Thailand’s myths, mysteries and magic in a wondrous extravaganza certain to delight everyone.
• Kamala Beach, Phuket. Tel: 0 7638 5000. www.phuket-fantasea.com

CHALERM KRUNG ROYAL THEATRE: A historic venue for Thai dance performances, dramas and plays as well as occasional international film festivals. A special event is the khon dance drama that is staged occasionally.
• New Road near the Old Siam Plaza, Wang Burapha Phirom. Tel: 0 2225 8757-8.
www.salachalermkrung.com.

PATRAVADI THEATRE: The Patravadi Theatre complex is a centre for Thai performing arts traditional and modern. Visitors can come to see the life and activities of Thai artists — drum and classical dance classes in the garden, or performances by young artists in the weekend, while enjoying the international flavours at the open-air restaurant. Workshops and classes are open to all.
• Soi Wat Rakhang (take a cab to Maharat pier near the Grand Palace and then ferry across the river), Thon Buri. Tel: 0 2412 7287. www.patravaditheatre.com.

SILOM VILLAGE: The Silom Village compound consists of 15 teak buildings of historical value under a conservation order. The houses were converted into a restaurant and Thai handicraft shop at the beginning of the 1980s and since then Silom Village has become a centre of Thai classical dance.
• Silom Road. MRT subway station: Silom: BTS skytrain station: Chong Nonsi. Tel: 0 2234 4448, 0 2233 9447. www.silomvillage.co.th.



Home | Thailand Hotels & Resorts | Maps | Hotel Reviews | Thailand Photos | Site Map


Copyright (c) 2008 thailand-guide.org. All rights reserved.
(p) some content provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand
 Bookmark us | Send to a friend | Contact Us

 Last Updated : 13-Jan-2008