Swallowing the sun

Traditional Thai puppet theatre Joe Louis has announced its return to the stage next year with a special production titled “Lunar Eclipse”. The new show is part of the “Art for Thai Children, Happiness for Thai People in New Year” project being organised under the auspices of the Tourism and Sports and Culture ministries.

“The current government is supporting Thai arts and culture to encourage Thai people to feel proud of and appreciate their history and heritage. This will lead to harmony and unity within the country and society will be stronger and better,” says Assoc Prof Dr Chavanee Tongroach, vice minister for tourism and sports during a press conference recently at Joe Louis Cuisine at Asiatique The Riverfront.

“We are collaborating with the Culture Ministry to promote 2015 as the year of Thai cultural travel and a project to mark New Year’s day and Children’s Day, 2015. Part of this project will be a traditional Thai puppet theatre performance. Joe Louis’ puppets are a long-standing Thai tradition and the troupe unique retains the original elements very well while introducing contemporary elements. We would like to support Joe Louis to become a tourism landmark for both Thais people and foreigners, marking it as a must-visit place for all who come to Thailand,” Chavanee adds.

“Joe Louis has kept alive an old culture perfectly, drawing people from all walks of life with its interesting story telling through a fun performance,” says Nanthiya Sawangwuthitham, director-general of the Culture Promotion Department.

“We are honoured to help promote our country’s valuable art,” says Pisut Yang-keawsot, director of the Joe Louis troupe. 

“We would like to bring happiness to Thai people with our fun story and dazzling performing art. This time, we are telling the story of a lunar eclipse, which is said to occur when the celestial demon Rahu eats the sun. It won the Best Traditional Performance Award at the 10th World Festival of Puppet Art held in Prague in 2006. We have also added some highlights to make the performance grander than ever, from the costumes and the set to the light and sound display.”

 

Big bites

_ “Lunar Eclipse” will be performed at Thailand Cultural Centre from January 9 to 11. Show time is 7.15pm with 1..30pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

_ Admission is free of charge.

 

For more information and reservation, call (02) 688 3322 extension 14.