The Support Foundation's annual khon performance never fails to entertain its audience. This year's instalment is a hugely enjoyable production of The Allegiance Of Phiphek episode from the Ramakien. The acting, dancing, costumes and props are as impressive as ever. And while the production may be restricted to a slightly more economical setting, this has been compensated for with funnier dialogue, including plenty of satirical gags riffing on current events.
This is the 10th edition of the annual production (after Prommas in 2007 and 2009, Nang Loi in 2010, Suek Maiyarap in 2011, Jong Tanon in 2012, The Battle Of Kumbhakarn -- Mokasak in 2013, The Battle Of Indrajit -- Nagabas in 2014 and The Battle Of Indrajit -- Prommas in 2015), following Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's command that a khon performance be held every year in order to preserve the exquisite performing art. The Allegiance Of Phiphek emphasises the importance of loyalty, morality and honesty.
At over two hours, the show incorporates the use of the best modern techniques, such as the flying Hanuman, to create a visual spectacle, while also conserving the ancient traditions of the Royal Court's khon and showcasing the abilities of young performers. After the overture dance to bless HM Queen Sirikit and His Majesty the King, everyone was dazzled by the scenery and costumes, including the rare gold silk (pha yok) brocades.
The first scene was "Longka City's Throne Hall". The set and decorations, as in previous productions, are inspired by the architecture and art of a number of royal mansions and temples. Demon King Thotsakan of Longka is enraged by the interpretation of a dream by his younger brother Phiphek, who has the gift of prophecy. Thotsakan dreams of a white condor fighting and defeating a black condor, of himself carrying a coconut shell and an ugly woman lighting a fire. Phiphek predicts a terrible war leading to eventual defeat for the demons. To avoid this, Phipek suggests his brother return the abducted Sida to her husband Phra Ram. This angers Thotsakan who scolds and bullies his brother. The scriptwriter and choreographer have smartly blended jokes and slapstick into what is mostly a serious scene. The part when Thotsakan chases his brother around, making ridiculous gestures and saying, "I want to be the white condor instead!", had the audience in stitches.
The mood soon turns melancholic when Phiphek prostrates himself at the feet of Thotsakan and then bids farewell to his brother Kumbhakan and nephew Indrajit. Kumbhakan and Indrajit defend Phiphek and manage to convince Thotsakan to spare his life. Phiphek is banished from Longka instead.
To me, "Act 1, Scene 2: Phiphek Bids Farewell To His Wife And Daughter" was the most moving. This rare scene, which features Phiphek removing his crown, is based on the version of the Ramakien by King Rama VI. This year's performance is mostly based on the King Rama I edition, with parts of the King Rama II version and dialogue used by the Entertainment Department in the reign of King Rama VI.
"Act 1, Scene 3: Banishment By A Junk" includes a movable life-size replica of a junk ship, which elicited gasps from the audience. This is another scene which effortlessly blends humour and melancholy, as the soldiers share funny conversations while Phiphek expresses his sadness and declares his innocence.
In "Act 2, Scene 2: Meeting Phra Ram", where Phiphek pledges his allegiance to Phra Ram, Phra Ram's Pavilion has a simpler design than in previous productions, but still reflects the beauty of traditional wood carvings. This scene also shows off the glamour of the gold brocades and jewellery worn by Phra Ram and Phra Lak, the traditional royal khon make-up and the sacred oath-taking ceremony.
In my opinion, while the show is excellent in its entirety, it is not flawless. "Act 2, Scene 7: Battlefield" is too long and "Act 2, Scene 8: The Cure Of Kabilapat Spear" is too short. Although the battle scene wowed the audience with its marching army and three royal vehicles, the jokey dialogue between Thotsakan's three low-ranked soldiers does not always work and needs to be shorter. Scene 8, meanwhile, would be better if it showed in detail Hanuman's search for herbs and tools to make a remedy for the spear wound suffered by Phra Lak.
In conclusion, this year's royal khon performance is as grand as ever, continuing the production's decade-long tradition of the most spectacular dancing, singing, acting, settings and costumes. It is funnier than ever and would be flawless if not for the weakness of script in some scenes.
-
The Allegiance Of Phiphek will be staged at the Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre, every day except Monday from today until Dec 5.
-
Tickets are priced at 420, 620, 820, 1,020, 1,520 and 1,820 baht for the general public and 220 baht for student performances, available at Thai Ticket Major. Tel 02-262-3456 or visit http://thaiticketmajor.com.
-
For more information, visit Facebook: Khon Performance.
.jpg?w=600)
