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Traditional Drama and Sport in Thailand
In the classical form, Thai drama and dance are totally intertwined in Thailand. Thai traditional dance is one of its most attractive rituals and traditions; see these wonderfully costumed actors patiently miming ancient stories is an unforgettable experience, beautiful and different. The performance has Indian origin, but Thai people developed them to be much more graceful and stylized.
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In former days, dances were performed only in the imperial courts and noble mansions. Common people could enjoy such presentations only on celebratory occasions in the compound of a Buddhist monastery.
Today to guarantee the purity of the arts, Thai theatre and dance are protected by the royal family and enjoy an importance often reserved for more spiritual activities.
In contemporary Thai Arts there is a clear division between theatre and dance, driven by experimentation amongst, many theatres now host modern productions with larger western influence.
The most influential piece of classical literature is probably the Ramakien, based on the Ramayana of India; Thais have modified and stylized it into their own version.
Thai classical dramas include the renowned Khon (the masked drama), Lakhon (a less formal dance drama), Likay (the major popular theatre form), Fawn Thai (folk dance form), Nang Yai and Nang Talung (shadow plays), Hun (marionettes), Wai khru (performed to pay respect to the khru or teacher), Ram Muay (ritual dance performed before Muay Thai fights). Khon, Lakhon and Likay utilize dance as a storytelling medium, the differences in these arts are subtle.
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