ID :
131755
Wed, 07/07/2010 - 10:12
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Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/131755
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Thailand's unique monkey business troupe expected to continue its special heritage
Thailand's 'Prakitsitpragaan' monkey drama troupe is the kingdom's -- and possibly the world's -- only group for monkey entertainers with regular performances, as once recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Unlike other plays, the traditional troupe has for over 30 years been carrying happiness with audiences countrywide, thanks to its smart male and female monkey stars.
In the past, the monkey thespians were a well-known entertainment, something specially not to be missed at temples when religious ceremonies took place and when local fairs were held. But now the tradition of monkey entertainers is disappearing from Thai society.
Panya Ganrobroo, director of the monkey drama troupe, said the business was passed on to him by his uncle, whose eight children said no to the profession.
Coming from Samut Songkhram's Amphawa district some 80km southwest of Bangkok, he was familiar with the show since he was little while faithfully following the group all over the place.
To keep the show popular among the younger generations and Thailand's international visitors, Panya adapted his show with more contemporary and easy-to-understand plots, while the music accompanying the dramas depend less and less on only Thai traditional musical instruments. However, he also keeps stories adapted from Asian classical novels and folklore such as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and the Ramayana.
According to Panya, group members for a monkey performance consist of a few men and women and four to six monkeys. During a 30-minute show, ventriloquism is used, and entertainment and the animals' smartness are showcased, including some monkey talent in calculating numbers and jumping through fire hoops.
Panya said his group performed at a department store in the capital for 25 years before moving 10 years ago to Vimanmek Mansion, a famous Bangkok's tourist attraction as the world's largest golden teakwood mansion.
Currently, the group performs its shows at various venues nationwide, including zoos, depending on its clients' requests.
While at Vimanmek Mansion, Panya was advised by senior court officials that the monkey performance should be preserved to promote Thai culture. As a result, choosing not to go train monkeys abroad as asked by some
countries, Panya stayed in Thailand instead to improve local animals' abilities along with with conserving Thainess.
Training monkeys can take months or years, he said, adding that doing so is no different than training humans, for monkeys also have hearts and feelings as we do. He also needs to know the character of each of his monkeys and use his heart to connect with those of the animals so they can obey and listen to orders during a performance.
As a young boy, Panya said his uncle's group received an honoured opportunity to perform in front of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Now in his sixties, he wishes to receive the same chance, at least once in his life.
"I hope that one day I would get a chance to perform for His Majesty the King. I would be proud and fulfilled and I wouldn't worry if I have to die within the following few days," said the monkey troupe director.
Expenses in caring for over 10 monkeys amount to some Bt10,000-20,000 per month (US$305-610). Although not earning much profit from the shows, Panya said he and the troupe members earn enough for living gracefully according to the principles of His Majesty the King's sufficiency economy.
Fortunately, Panya does not worry no one would carry on his business, for his children decided to keep the local performance. And undoubtedly to preserve the folk art, the 'Prakitsitpragaan' monkey group vows to continue to further put smiles and laughs on everyone's face. (MCOT online news)
Unlike other plays, the traditional troupe has for over 30 years been carrying happiness with audiences countrywide, thanks to its smart male and female monkey stars.
In the past, the monkey thespians were a well-known entertainment, something specially not to be missed at temples when religious ceremonies took place and when local fairs were held. But now the tradition of monkey entertainers is disappearing from Thai society.
Panya Ganrobroo, director of the monkey drama troupe, said the business was passed on to him by his uncle, whose eight children said no to the profession.
Coming from Samut Songkhram's Amphawa district some 80km southwest of Bangkok, he was familiar with the show since he was little while faithfully following the group all over the place.
To keep the show popular among the younger generations and Thailand's international visitors, Panya adapted his show with more contemporary and easy-to-understand plots, while the music accompanying the dramas depend less and less on only Thai traditional musical instruments. However, he also keeps stories adapted from Asian classical novels and folklore such as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and the Ramayana.
According to Panya, group members for a monkey performance consist of a few men and women and four to six monkeys. During a 30-minute show, ventriloquism is used, and entertainment and the animals' smartness are showcased, including some monkey talent in calculating numbers and jumping through fire hoops.
Panya said his group performed at a department store in the capital for 25 years before moving 10 years ago to Vimanmek Mansion, a famous Bangkok's tourist attraction as the world's largest golden teakwood mansion.
Currently, the group performs its shows at various venues nationwide, including zoos, depending on its clients' requests.
While at Vimanmek Mansion, Panya was advised by senior court officials that the monkey performance should be preserved to promote Thai culture. As a result, choosing not to go train monkeys abroad as asked by some
countries, Panya stayed in Thailand instead to improve local animals' abilities along with with conserving Thainess.
Training monkeys can take months or years, he said, adding that doing so is no different than training humans, for monkeys also have hearts and feelings as we do. He also needs to know the character of each of his monkeys and use his heart to connect with those of the animals so they can obey and listen to orders during a performance.
As a young boy, Panya said his uncle's group received an honoured opportunity to perform in front of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Now in his sixties, he wishes to receive the same chance, at least once in his life.
"I hope that one day I would get a chance to perform for His Majesty the King. I would be proud and fulfilled and I wouldn't worry if I have to die within the following few days," said the monkey troupe director.
Expenses in caring for over 10 monkeys amount to some Bt10,000-20,000 per month (US$305-610). Although not earning much profit from the shows, Panya said he and the troupe members earn enough for living gracefully according to the principles of His Majesty the King's sufficiency economy.
Fortunately, Panya does not worry no one would carry on his business, for his children decided to keep the local performance. And undoubtedly to preserve the folk art, the 'Prakitsitpragaan' monkey group vows to continue to further put smiles and laughs on everyone's face. (MCOT online news)
