Punching Pretty

NOW THAT THE Lumpini boxing stadium has moved to the northern suburbs and its Rajdamnoen counterpart is difficult to access, foreign fans of muay thai might well want to check out the new stage show “Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives” at the increasingly popular tourist attraction Asiatique the Riverfront.
And unlike the actual boxing stadiums that tend to discourage men from bringin girlfriends, wives and kids, “Muay Thai Live” has been created with audiences of all ages, genders and nationalities in mind and any Bangkok itinerary would not be complete without it.
After the internationally acclaimed film “Beautiful Boxer” a decade ago, veteran writer-director Ekachai Uekrongtham has created a few stage performances about muay thai – albeit with less success.
With “Muay Thai Live”, he has bounced back triumphantly. His script shows evidence of good research and he keenly balances entertainment and essence in this 75-minute stage show.
On the surface, it looks like a brief history of Thai kick boxing with scenes set in the Ayutthaya period that include such real-life characters as Phrachao Suea, Nai Khanom Tom and Phraya Phichai Dap Hak as well as a present-day scene that’s every bit as much fun as a Hong Kong action movie. At the end, though, the audience realises that what all the scenes lead to are actually the three essences of muay thai, which are not only characteristics of Thainess but can also be applied to anyone’s daily life.
The cast comprises mostly stunt actors who have been well trained in muay thai as well as other combat skills. Their stunning six-packs remind me that I should think less about my palate and more about exercise. Their captivating stage presence is effectively highlighted by a spectacular lighting design and their characterisation is commendable. And after a month of daily performances they still look fresh and enthusiastic.
Among the cast is Uttaporn Suwan whose lead performance in “Beautiful Boxer” won much acclaim and who blends seamlessly into this ensemble. The only female part is performed by Mookmanee Srivichai and while her “Enchantress’s Welcome” is not really enchanting, her fighting roles in the latter scenes prove that Thai women are a force to be reckoned with.
The thrust stage allows the audience on three sides to always be close to the exhilarating action – it feels almost as if we’re in the boxing stadium – and the performers are frequently in the aisles to make us more involved. However, seats in the middle section allow a better view of the backdrop where scenery graphics are displayed.
Thanks to deftly choreographed fight sequences, which look realistic and artistically dance-like rather than physically violent, a Taiwanese tourist seated near me couldn’t stop herself from repeatedly saying “Jesus!” We didn’t exchange confidences so I still don’t know whether she’s a devout Christian or has never been to a Chinese martial arts show.
 Apart from being Thailand’s most ass-kicking stage show, “Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives” is another cultural event any Thai citizen can take any foreign friends to. All of you will be fully entertained and you will also be proud while learning a few new things about your national heritage.
A few years ago when our political turmoil was at another apex, many foreign friends e-mailed me asking why such fun-loving people could become so unrestrained in their protests. I pointed out that Thailand is a country of acute contrasts, reminding them that while our male boxers and a female weightlifter have won many Olympic medals, Thailand is a gay capital of the world and our transvestites are among the most beautiful.
 That said, it’s fitting that “Muay Thai” is next door to “Calypso Bangkok” and their schedule allows one to watch both in the same evening – something I plan to do with my visiting foreign friends.
 NIGHTLY
FIGHTS
- “Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives” is performed at 8 nightly at The Stage@Asiatique the Riverfront. It’s in Thai with English and Chinese surtitles.
- Tickets are Bt 1,200 and Bt 1,500 at ThaiTicketMajor. Buy one ticket get one free under a promotion that runs until February 28.
- Asiatique’s free shuttle boat runs from Saphan Taksin pier.
- Find out more at www.MuayThaiLive.net and Facebook/MuayThaiLive.bkk.