The late Thanpuying Paew Snidvongseni, a legendary Thai classical dancer, choreographer and dance master, was the first person to be named Thailand's National Artist in the area of performing arts in 1985.
Thanpuying Paew Snidvongseni.
To commemorate the 109th anniversary of her birth and celebrate her invaluable contributions to Thailand's classical performing arts scene, her descendants and the Committee of Thanpuying Paew Snidvongseni Memorial Fund in cooperation with Thanpuying's former students and the Office of Performing Arts, Fine Arts Department, will stage two charity performances at the Bangkok National Theatre on Dec 23.
The event will showcase Thanpuying Paew's most celebrated works as a choreographer and playwright, including Sukhothai Dance, Manohra Dance of Sacrifice (from the lakhon chatri play Phra Suthon & Manohra), Chuichai Hanao Dance, excerpts from the lakhon nok play Kawee and khon masked dance featuring an episode of the Ramakien called The Defeat Of Kakanasura.
The performances will feature famous classical performers, including three national artists in the performing arts who, as Thanpuying Paew's prominent proteges, have inherited her style _ Dr Supachai Chandrasuwan (National Artist 2005), Jatuporn Ratanawaraha (National Artist 2009) and Rajana Puangprayong (National Artist 2011).
Also performing in this event are such celebrated artists as Bunnag Tantranond, Sudjit Pansung, Pakorn Pornpisut, Wantanee Muangboon and other stars from the Office of Performing Arts troupe.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Thanpuying Paew Snidvongseni Memorial Fund, which works to promote Thai classical performing arts and provide assistance to senior performing artists.
