Showing 1 - 5 of 5
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.
Learning Thai: Children keep masked dance alive (video)
Published on 26/10/2014
» Here's a challenge for learners of Thai (or English). The video contains spoken language; it's rather fast and a bit longer than usual. However, it is fun, interesting and a great example of the preservation of Thai culture.
Doll Museum: Chiang Mai
Jon Fernquest, Published on 01/03/2013
» 50,000 dolls from around the world: clowns, wizards, frightening warriors, from hilltribes to Thai Khon dance & Asean neighbours in traditional dress.
Hats in Thailand: Fashion history
Jon Fernquest, Published on 06/09/2012
» From the hats of noble people to farmer hats to the western hats of King Rama V's reign, hats have a long history in Thailand.
Thai classical dance adapted to portray Thailand's political crisis
Jon Fernquest, Published on 20/10/2010
» Political struggles in present-day Thailand are radically different from the past, and the dance dramas that depict these struggles have also changed.