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A harmonious blend of graceful movements, melodious tunes, profound dialogue, and magnificent costumes, Khon dance is not just an artistic performance but also a journey of discovery into the culture, history, and soul of the Thai people.
Since the Siamese dynasty, the traditional dances of this country have been formed and developed for a long time. In ancient times, the best Thai dances were performed for kings and royalty in the royal court. Later, these dances gradually spread and had a profound influence in the Angkor region of Cambodia. Reflecting the characteristics and reverence for Buddhist culture of the people of this land, Thai dances possess a gentle, graceful, refined, relaxed, and soft style.
Thailand preserves traditional performing arts through Khon dance.
A masterpiece of traditional Thai art.
When discussing traditional Thai dances, it's impossible not to mention Khon, Lakhon, and Fawn Thai, with Fawn Thai being the most popular but also the most technically demanding. These three dances are often performed during various festivals.
Khon is a traditional Thai dance drama that harmoniously combines various art forms such as dance, martial arts, music, and theater.
Khon dance, a precious gem in the treasure trove of Thai traditional art, has captivated countless hearts. Each dance, each mask, holds within it fairy tales, moral lessons, and beautiful life values, transporting viewers to a colorful, enchanting world.
This is an ancient Thai theatrical form, also known as Khon dance, because dance plays a central role during performances. Khon performers typically wear masks corresponding to their roles. They dance or perform actions illustrating the storyline, accompanied by famous singers seated behind the stage, accompanied by music.
Khon dance is characterized by jumps, spins, somersaults, and decisive movements, utilizing the strength of muscles and the courage of the dancers.
Dance, originating from the heart, rises in the eyes, and flows through the arms.
Many believe that Khon is a unique form of folk culture, comparable to traditional Japanese Kabuki theater and Vietnamese Tuong and Cheo opera. In it, male characters wear masks, while female characters are veiled in gold-plated scarves, accompanied by an orchestra for the dances and dialogue. Khon originated from folk dances and developed into an art form performed and enjoyed in the royal court of ancient Siam.
The art of "Khon" has deep roots in the rituals and dances of Indian temples. The Thais combined it with various martial arts movements to create a truly unique theatrical form. The 14th century marked the beginning of Khon theater, leaving many traces of its appearance in history. In its original form, "Khon" was a synthesis of various performing arts, from shadow puppetry and the ancient Chak Nak dance to classical martial arts.
When it comes to traditional performing arts in Thailand, Khon dance is perhaps the most famous of them all.
The development of "Khon" art began in the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767), reaching its peak during the reigns of Rama I and Rama II of the Chakri dynasty.
From the reign of King Rama M onwards, the art of Khon has gone through many ups and downs, while also receiving new influences from the West. Today, the art of Khon has changed considerably compared to its early period.
Besides masks, dance is the main attraction of Khon opera. Khon dance movements are beautiful, majestic, passionate, decisive, and sensual. During performances, the actors only dance and do not speak or sing; the entire content and dialogue are sung by a choir from backstage. The script of Khon opera is mainly taken from the works of Ramakien. The dance movements and Khon opera are sensual and very beautiful. Dance in Khon opera is carefully considered; the movements and dances must be precise, strong, beautiful, majestic, and decisive, especially in battle scenes. A highlight of Khon opera is that all roles in this theatrical form are played by men, including female roles.
Khon was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018.
Dance, originating from the heart, rising to the eyes, spreading through the arms, igniting into a sacred flame and shining on the hands, signifies the burning and destruction of all afflictions. When the entire body and arms tremble and reach upwards, the limited ego escapes from the individual to merge with the vastness of the Great Self. As the dancers move, their fingers always point upwards, like a blazing sacred flame.
The unique masks of Khon Thai dance
The exquisitely detailed masks play a crucial role in traditional Khon opera. These meticulously crafted masks are an indispensable part of traditional Khon opera, a quintessential part of any Thai travel experience.
Khon masks - The soul of traditional Thai performing arts.
These Khon masks are handcrafted in almost every step, from paper mache to drawing the outlines, coloring, and attaching the necessary motifs. Therefore, each mask is very intricate and detailed, and can cost between $50 and $120 (approximately 1 million to 2.5 million Vietnamese dong). It takes a Thai artisan 10 days to complete one mask.
Each mask carries a profound meaning, reflecting the personality, social status, and even the mood of the character.
The main masks in Khon drama can be distinguished by their color. Phra Ram, the hero, has a green face. Phra Ram's brother, Phra Lak, has a yellow face, while the monkey king Hanuman, the most famous character in Thai art, has a white face.
Khon masks are not only a part of the performing arts but also a cultural symbol of Thailand.
Khon is an ancient Thai dance drama that combines many complex art forms. Khon performances include graceful dance movements along with instrumental and vocal performances. Khon was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018.
