Khon on command

The graceful movements and refined costumes of the khon traditional masked dance drama return to the Thailand Cultural Centre from Friday with the episode of “The Battle of Indrajit: Nagabas” running through December 5.

Initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit in order to prevent this traditional high art from dying out, the performance series is organised by the Support Foundation Under the Patronage of Her Majesty and is also aimed at promoting young performers.

Speaking at a recent press preview, Thanpuying Charungjit Teekara, assistant to the secretary general of the Support Foundation and the chairwoman of the annual performances, noted with pleasure the growth in popularity of the art since the launch of the series seven years ago.

Episodes performed to date include “Prommas” (in 2007 and 2009), “Nang Loi” (in 2010), “Suek Maiyarap” (in 2011), “Jong Tanon” (in 2012) and last year’s “The Battle of Kumbhakarn – Mokasak”. 

“Every year, we ask audience members to fill in a questionnaire giving their impressions of the show and listing their favourite episodes or performances. The information is then passed on to Her Majesty to assist her in selecting the episode to be performed the following year. The Queen is acquainted with all the episodes and for this year, she has chosen “The Battle of Indrajit, Episode of Nagabas” which was written by King Rama I,” she said.

For her part, ML Piyapas Bhirombhakdi, vice chairman and public relations director, spoke about the success of the auditions.

“We hold auditions to provide opportunities for young performers to take part in propagating our national heritage. This year the numbers were impressive with 84 young people vying for the role of Phra, 199 for Phra (Lakorn). 256 for Nang, and 130 for the demon bringing the total to 795 contestants. The judges were impressed both by the level of participation and the quality of the performances,” she said.

Artistic director Pramet Boonyachai, meanwhile, enthused over the beauty of the scenes.

“This year’s episode is very delicate, especially the Prelude – Rabam Narai Seven Pang. This was written by HRH Prince Narisara Nuwattiwongsa and is very rarely staged. Up to now, it’s only been used for special occasions. The dance moves in the scene where the invisible demon fights with all the monkeys is inherited from the royal performance in front of King Rama VI. The Rotan Hollow scene is amazingly beautiful and scary at the same time, as is the battlefield scene for which we use a new technique to showcase the gigantic garuda flying down from the sky to destroy the Naga.”

Chatree Thongchalam, who won the role of Hanuman, is proud to be part of the performance. 

“I come to the auditions every year and it’s like I am competing against myself. It’s a great honour for me and for my family to have been selected to take part.”

 

DRAMA IN THE DANCE

Fifty rounds of “The Battle of Indrajit: Nagabas” will be performed, 34 of them for the public and 16 for students only.

The show runs daily except Mondays from Friday through December 5 at the Thailand Cultural Centre. 

Tickets cost Bt420 to Bt1,520. Student rounds are Bt120.

Find out more at (02) 262 3456, www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.

 or www.KhonPerformance.com.