The annual royal khon performance by the Support Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit is back with a new show featuring the episode of The Allegiance Of Phiphek from the epic Ramakien. It is currently staged for a full month until Dec 5 in the Main Hall of the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road.
This is the 8th show in "The Khon Performance By The Support Foundation" series initiated by HM the Queen in 2007 with the aim to preserve the Thai culture and promote the national performing arts.
The previous seven episodes the foundation had staged include The Battle Of Phrommas in 2007 and 2009, The Floating Lady in 2010, The Battle Of Maiyarap in 2011, Jong Tanon in 2012, The Battle Of Kumphakan: Mokkasak in 2013, The Battle Of Indrajit: Nagabas in 2014 and The Battle Of Indrajit: Phrommas in 2015. Each was a success and received positive feedback from the Thai audience.
The new production is another chance to witness the highest form of traditional theatre arts with overwhelming and glamorous stage designs combined with the modern technology and technical effects.
The show is divided into two acts with the script reconstructed from several compositions by King Rama I, Rama II and Rama VI as well as the foundation's previously performed version. It recounts how Phiphek is banished from Lanka by his estranged brother Thotsakan, King of the Demons, and turns to pledge allegiance to Phra Ram, the incarnation of Phra Narai.
The cast includes master performers from the Office of Performing Arts and the Bunditpatanasilpa Institute as well as the young performers selected from dramatic arts schools.
The performance is staged daily at 2pm until Nov 25, plus a 7.30pm show on Saturday and Nov 22-23 and a 10am show on Sunday; and on Nov 29-Dec 1 at 7.30pm, plus a 2pm show on Dec 1; and again on Dec 2 and 5 at 10am and 2pm on both days. There is no show on Mondays.
All visitors are also encouraged to wear Thai costumes.
Tickets cost 400, 600, 800, 1,000, 1,500 and 1,800 baht (200 baht for students) and can be purchased from Thai Ticket Major (visit thaiticketmajor.com or call 02-262-3456).
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