subject: Embracing Thai Culture At The National Theatre In Bangkok [print this page] Thailand has always been strong in its promotion of culture. To this end, The National Theatre in Bangkok, situated near the National Museum focuses mainly on Thai traditional arts.
Architecture wise, the building is itself in Thai style and incorporates three wings. The first is a large auditorium coupled with an outdoor pavilion. This is used for gala outdoor performances. The second wing houses a smaller auditorium in which smaller scale dance performances are held. The third wing is for the purpose of theatre and drama workshops held by various experts.
The performances are wide in range and internationally suited Western style performances are also held. However the main emphasis is on Thai style productions. The last Friday and Saturday of each month is specifically dedicated to the traditional Thai performances especially of the Khon dance type.
This Khon dance type is a Thai dance performed wearing elaborate and ornately detailed masks. The dance depicts tales from the Ramekian-which is the Thai adaptation of the Ramayana (A Hindu classic). Khon dance is also the highest form of dance out of the 6 traditional types of Thai dance. It incorporates singing, dancing, acrobatics, and native music. The rich costumes and minute details combined with the lighting gives life to the performances on stage. Whilst taking longer than the usual production and being entirely in Thai, the dance can be rather heavy especially for the non Thai speaker. However the dance itself is a wonderful act and is worth experiencing.
Other types of performances are also held throughout the course of the week and a detailed schedule can be obtained from the office.
A stay in one of the Bangkok apartments will enable you to easily access the National Theatre in Bangkok amongst other attractions. If the traveller seeks accommodation Bangkok then Compass Hospitality with its wide range of services in the entire gamut of hospitality is sure to have the ideal accommodation to suit your needs.
