Video: Khon, Masked Dance Drama in Thailand
Khon is a genre of formal dance drama, practiced for centuries in the royal court of modern Thailand. Combining elements of traditional swordsmanship, storytelling, stagecraft, and dance, it remains one…
Khon is a genre of formal dance drama, practiced for centuries in the royal court of modern Thailand. Combining elements of traditional swordsmanship, storytelling, stagecraft, and dance, it remains one of the most popular and distinctive art forms of Thailand. Khon performances focus on the story of the Ramakien, a Thai adaptation of the Hindu Ramayana. Most of the stories adapted for stage feature heroes as they battle monsters like ogres and demons. Additionally, brave and clever monkeys are frequently present in the dramas. Actors perform behind elaborate masks while wearing beautiful clothing, completing their transformation into mythical figures. While khon was historically a male art, including male actors playing female characters, women are growing more and more accepted as dancers and musicians.
Khon is a tradition at least 500 years old, though it likely draws on older court dance forms and swordplay. Unlike folk dances, the development of khon has been strictly guided by Thailand’s monarchy and carefully preserved. It is still supported today as a national art form of Thailand, with special schools dedicated to preserving its stories, music, and movement.
This video, courtesy of UNESCO, gives us a front-seat view of khon drama, its actors, and the rigorous training they undergo to perform the dances correctly. Enjoy this colorful and action-packed peek into one of Thailand’s most treasured traditions.
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