Thailand
The Ramayana in Thailand is known as Ramakien. Rooting to the Indian Ramayana, Ramakien has its own changes. It names lord Rama as Phra Rama and Ravana as the demon king Tosakanth. Ramakien is portrayed through the famous Khon, popularly known as the Thai Mask dance. The khon portrayal is a perfect blend of art in the form of music, literature and dance. From graceful dance movements to glittery costumes, all the minute details of the Khon mesmerizes the audience.
The Khon Dance
Mask and Music
The dancers cover up their faces with masks and wear glorious dresses for the performance. Since they cannot communicate the narrative due the masks that cover up their faces, the Khon dance is accompanied by orchestral music and a group of narrators who guide the audience as the story progresses. Whereas the wind, hammered and string instruments rejuvenate the performance, the medley of drums melodize it.
Characters
The characters of Khon dance are categorized as the Heros and Heroines, Demons, and the Monkeys. The heroes and the heroines do not wear masks, have elegant hand gestures and are barefoot. The demons are the enemies of heroes with their faces covered with masks of different colors. They are usually large and strong and have aggressive dance steps. The monkeys wear white masks and are smaller and mischievous.
Khon Characters
Thai Khon Actor
Dance
The Thai khon dance comprises sixty-eight arms, fingers, legs and head movements. The dancers, who hold their bodies straight from neck to hips, stretch to the rhythm of the music, moving their bodies up and down by bending their knees. The arms and hands that form curves at different angles, enhances the beauty of the performance.
Thai Khon Dance
Khon at Celebration of Coronation of King Rama
Costumes
The dancers are dressed such that each dancer representing a character has a different styled ornament. The male dancers who wear a long-sleeved brocaded shirt glamor the stage with the glittery decorations on them. This is accompanied by a headdress, necklace, bracelet, and anklet. The performers also carry a weapon along with them. The character of Hanuman carries a trident whereas the demon Tosakanth carries a bow and arrow. The females wear a short-sleeved shirt with a shawl that wraps their shoulders. They also wear tiaras along with diamond jewelry.
Mask of Hanuman
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