Thai classical dance to be perform at royal cremation

BANGKOK, Aug 7 (TNA) – More than 300 artists will perform the royal Khon or Thai traditional mask dance as part of the royal cremation ceremony for His majesty late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October. The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Technique of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand (SUPPORT), the Fine Arts Department and the Bunditphatthanasilpa Institute will jointly organize the royal Khon performance in honour of the late king. Jarungjit Thikara, secretary to Her Majesty the Queen said in her capacity as the chair of the Khon organizing committee of the SUPPORT foundation told the press conference that the outdoor Khon Thai classical dance drama will be held on the stage at the northern side of the Sanam Luang royal ceremonial ground. Performers are Thai traditional dance masters and student of The College of Dramatic Arts and they are now practicing at the college in Salaya campus in Nakhon Pathom, she said. Pramet Booyachai, scrip writer and designer said as it is not performed in a theater, production with painted backdrops is quite limited, but a multi-vision technology or the so-called TV Wall will be used. More techniques in singing and dancing will add flavor to the story while the main theme will be the morality of the characters, focusing on the loyalty. The Khon performance will feature about 300 performers, which is increased from earlier performances with 200 players. The costume, decorations and accessories are being made in accordance with ancient royal tradition and the works are expected to be finished in September. (TNA)