All the right strings

Rarely seen these days in Laos, the ancient art of “Epok” and “Prateu or Bakteu” puppetry, an integral part of the country’s past, is being saved from becoming no more than a memory by the second generation of a family that’s been involved in the arts for several decades.

Khao Niew Theatre Group’s director Lattanakone Insisiengmay says he’s determined to follow in the footsteps of his father in keeping ancient arts and traditions, especially traditional puppet shows, alive.

Through a cultural conservation project this year, the theatre group has received support from ADC toward the development and conservation of traditional arts in Savannakhet and Luang Prabang provinces, especially the “Epok “and “Prateu or Bakteu” puppet shows.

The project aims to spread the popularity of puppetry, so that there is a better understanding of the art amongst young and old alike and promote the need to pass it on to future generations.

In Luang Prabang province, the group will focus on conserving the Epok puppet show while in Savannakhet the group will focus on the Prateu show. Both are great showcases of the colour and culture of Laos.

More than 70 young people in the two provinces have gained basic training in performing these puppet shows through this project over the last year, Lattanakone says.

These two kinds of arts are currently at risk of disappearing so the group is adding extra colour for the anticipated influx of guests and visitors as the Asean Economic Community gets into gear.

The two puppet shows are also set to feature at an upcoming cultural festival at the National Culture Hall next year, which will feature performing artists from all Asean member countries.

“The Prateu show highlights a Lao traditional art that is difficult to find in society these days and should be preserved as it is a long time symbol of Savannakhet. We want the art form to survive and to encourage the young generation to experience the beautiful culture that our ancestors created,” Lattanakone says.

Meanwhile Khao Niew Theatre Group’s Epok Puppet Show has proved very popular and is receiving a great reception from audiences, both local and foreign, in Luang Prabang.

“I’m happy that our shows are successful and we would like to expand our performances to help conserve our beautiful cultural arts,” Lattanakone adds.

In addition to enhancing and updating the scene design, context of the story, lighting systems and production quality Khao Niew Theatre Group is encouraging young children to join the puppet shows during their school holidays, while at the same time promoting messages such as the need to preserve the environment through their puppetry shows.

“I will do everything to help these kinds of traditional arts survive and pull the people, especially young people, to take an interest in them so that they stay alive in Laos for a long time yet,” Lattanakone says.

“And I also warmly welcome the ideas of the younger generation.”