Thai wisdom preserved

Khon, Thailand's classical, high-art performance, goes on display next week at a Bangkok luxury shopping complex in an exhibition that aims to bring the dance drama genre closer to the public while paying tribute to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion on her 82nd birthday.

Organised by Central Group with support from Siam Commercial Bank, the “Royal Khon: Wisdom of the Kingdom” exhibition at Central Chidlom and Central Embassy will feature short performances as well as behind-the-scene glimpses of the arts and crafts needed to create the props, masks, makeup and costumes as well as a photo exhibition. 

The event has been designed in collaboration with the Support Foundation under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen. Speaking at the recent press preview, Her Majesty’s deputy private secretary Thanpuying Charungjit Teekara noted with pleasure the growth in popularity of this traditional art since 2007, when the first in what would become annual royally-granted khon performances was staged.

“We’ve gone from empty seats to full houses and requests for more rounds. I am delighted that the hard work of the many artisans involved in the performances has been successful in reviving and preserving this unique cultural heritage,” she says.

“When Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn told Her Majesty how khon artists had become so discouraged at the empty seats at performances that they longer wanted to perform, the Queen arranged a meeting of experts in khon and related arts and crafts and requested that new costumes be created. She told them to base these on the ancient costumes but make them more durable and more attractive.” 

The first performance, which focused on the episode of “Prommas” from the Ramakien, was staged at the Thailand Cultural Centre in honour of His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday and Her Majesty’s 75th, and met with both critical and popular acclaim.

“Prommas" was staged again in 2009, after which Her Majesty commanded that new performances be arranged each year. “Nang Loi” thus followed in 2010,“The Battle of Maiyarap” in 2011, “Jong Thanon” in 2012, and the “Battle of Kumbhakan (Mokasak)” in 2013.

This year’s performance will be the “Battle of Indrajit (Nakhabas)”, the serpent-headed noose, and as ever, performers and artisans alike are putting all their efforts into ensuring the performance will be perfect, thus fulfilling the wishes of Her Majesty the Queen.

Yuwadee Chirathivat, chief executive of Central Group department stores, says the upcoming exhibition aims to offer a preview of this year’s performance and generate a better understanding of the art.

“This exhibition will offer an opportunity to both Thais and foreign visitors to appreciate Her Majesty the Queen’s gracious support in preserving this unique Thai art and cultural heritage, maintaining local Thai wisdom and the beauty of the many arts and crafts involved in khon,” she says.

The Support Foundation has assisted by suggesting content as well as providing photographs and selecting and providing important elements from khon performances including costumes, special adornments and jewellery, and elements of the stage scenes. The Foundation has also helped coordinate with other organisations to ensure that the exhibition is widely publicised.

The exhibition will showcase the history of khon and its recent revival through the Royal performances. Costumes, jewellery and other adornments, head-dresses will be on display along with some of the scenery and the props used in the performances.

The will also be displays of jewellery, make-up and costumes as well as demonstrations of the preparation and dressing of the performers. Photographs of the performances will be on show, along with a Royal Chariot and duplicates of scenery.

Dr Anucha Thirakanont, director of the Royal performances, says visitors will be enthralled at the presentation and demonstrations of the crafts involved.

“This is really a unique chance to see the master craftsmen at work,” he says. “From the very beginning, we have worked hard to perfect the complete khon performance – the costumes, the jewellery adornments. To bring the scenes from the Ramakien to life, we have studied murals and other arts. Everything is made by hand; machines cannot do the work. We not only want to only preserve these artistic works but also create a new generation of artisans. Every year we become more skilful and the works are more refined. 

The photographs by Amat Nimitpark, Nat Prakobsantisuk, Sakchai Guy and Peter Tresize explore the royal performances since their inception, both on stage and behind the scenes. 

“Taking pictures of khon is not simple. The photographers need a thorough understand of the art to be able to capture the postures of the characters and the compositions on stage,” Anucha says. “One example of these compositions is the scene showing Brahma’s abode, which required the combined efforts of architects, sculptors, and painters.”

Other highlights include shows of the introductory dances and selected excerpts. The dances include “Ram Praleng”, “Ram Thawaiphraporn” (“Salutation”), “Ram King Mai Ngen Thong” (“The Silver and Gold Branch”) while the excerpts cover the “Dance of the Fish” from “Jong Thanon”, the “Battle of Hanuman and Macchanu” from “The Battle of Maiyarap”, and the “Sivikakarn Covered Palanquin Procession” from “Nang Loi”.