Showing 1 - 4 of 4
Spotlight on the classics
Life, Tatat Bunnag, Published on 20/07/2022
» Under the unpredictable Bangkok sky in the late afternoon of last Saturday, I stopped by Vachirabenjatas Park (Rot Fai Park) in Chatuchak district. Even though I haven't visited here for many years, while strolling around, I found this massive park still looks as beautiful as I remember. And despite the hazy skies and uncertainty of rain at any given time, I thought to myself that at least it's still better than being bored sitting on a couch watching a movie at home.
The evolution of khon
Life, Amitha Amranand, Published on 22/04/2021
» Choreographer Jitti Chompee's ongoing khon project, which includes Melancholy Of Demon, a dance performance that I reviewed earlier this month, is supported by the Ministry of Culture and departments and offices under its umbrella. This is a surprising level of governmental support granted to a contemporary dance artist who wants to do not-so-genteel things with khon and the character of Tossakan. I still remember how in 2006 the Ministry of Culture reportedly forced Somtow Sucharitkul to change the scene in his opera Ayodhya that depicted the death of Tossakan (Ravan in the opera version) onstage, a practice that is considered a bad omen in Thailand.
A story told a hundred different ways
Life, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 13/11/2019
» The annual khon masked dance returns to Thailand Cultural Centre, with this year's feature being the episode Sueb Marga: The Adventures Of Hanuman. To help enhance the audience experience, a special accompanying exhibition provides different interpretations of the beloved tale.
The heaviness of history, worn lightly
Life, Ariane Kupferman-Sutthavong, Published on 28/02/2018
» Suddenly, Thai traditional costumes have made a quiet comeback -- for at least a month or so.