Showing 1 - 9 of 9
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.
Stories behind the faces
Life, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 14/12/2020
» While Bunditpatanasilpa Institute's khon troupe is touring the country as part of a new show featuring an episode of The Mighty King Rama Of Solar Dynasty, the Queen's Gallery is celebrating world-renowned Thai craftsmanship and traditional performing arts with the "Khon Mask" exhibition, which is on view until this Sunday.
The new era of khon
Life, Published on 12/08/2019
» After the 1930s, Thailand's performing arts landscape, especially the khon masked dance, shrank significantly amid the massive waves of Western art forms that flooded Thai society.
Where royal souls reside
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 21/12/2017
» Apart from Wat Bowon Niwet, which is King Bhumibol Adulyadej's symbolic temple, Wat Ratchabophit on Ratchabophit Road is one of only two temples that enshrine his ashes. Since Nov 7, when the temple started permitting the general public to pay respects to the royal remains, many have flocked there for this purpose.
Worthy of the enlightened
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 15/11/2017
» The royal cremation for King Bhumibol Adulyadej last month was a moment of historic importance. Nonetheless, another important task relating to the ceremony is still under way.
Performing arts for the royal funeral
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 23/10/2017
» On the grounds of Sanam Luang this Thursday, dancers will dance, puppeteers will weave their magic and singers will croon sad songs. This is the time of mourning, but there is a centuries-old tradition of the royal court to host festivities on the occasion of a royal funeral. A wide range of majestic performances will grace the stages from 6pm on the royal cremation day until early the following morning.
Weaving ties and traditions
Life, Karnjana Karnjanatawe, Published on 04/04/2017
» Wongduean Udomdechawet smiles when she talks about the craft of creating the tie-dyed silk woven cloth, known as mudmee.
Books of secrets
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 30/11/2016
» Pintima Lertsomboon, a librarian at Thammasat University, remembered trying to work on Oct 14 in order to soothe the bereavement brought by news of the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol. Her task as librarian usually offers her peace of mind. She has been tasked to separate the cremation books out of 10,000 rare books in the library, putting them in their own category.
Finding their footing
Life, Published on 23/05/2016
» The recent disappearance of women's glossies, including local titles such as Priew, Volume and Image as well as international franchises InStyle and Cosmopolitan, seems rather sudden yet not surprising.