Even more flawless than previous editions, the Support Foundation's annual khon performance impressed once again at its premiere last week. This year, the featured episode is The Battle Of Indrajit: Prommas, and the beautiful dancing, great acting, costumes and props were as splendid as in previous years -- the setting, however, was more stunning than ever.
At just over two hours, the show is excellent and concise despite the plot revolving around various incidents. It contains mixed modern techniques to create a visual spectacle, while preserving the ancient traditions of the Royal Court's khon. It is also the showcase of young khon performers' ability.
After the success of previous episodes -- Prommas in 2007 and 2009, Nang Loi in 2010, Suek Maiyarap in 2011, Jong Tanon in 2012, The Battle Of Kumbhakarn -- Mokasak in 2013 and The Battle Of Indrajit: Nagabas in 2014 -- this year's performance is the ninth edition of the annual production, following Her Majesty the Queen's command that a khon performance be held every year in order to preserve the exquisite performing art.
This performance puts together the story penned by King Rama II, the concert script written by Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs and the Chui Chai script written by King Rama VI (the Thai Ramakien has its roots in the Indian Ramayana). Highlights include rare dance choreography, battles and flying pyrotechnics. The revived rare gold silk brocades from Nakhon Si Thammarat and several royal vehicles were used in the performance.
At the premiere, when the curtain was lifted, viewers were immediately in awe of the scenery. The first scene was "The Throne Hall Of Romakan City" where Mangkonkan receives an order from his uncle, Tosakanth, to lead troops to fight the army of Phra Ram as a diversion while Indrajit performs an immersion ceremony to enhance the power of the Prommas arrow. The stunning Romakan throne hall set is in red and gold colour, in Chinese style. It is decorated with the sculptures and paintings of dragons (meaning mangkon) and Chinese goddesses. The splendour of Mangkonkan's embroidered costumes bedazzled me.
In the second scene, the set of Phra Ram's Pavilion reflects the delicate beauty of traditional wood carvings and the glamour of Muang Nakhon gold brocades and jewellery worn by Phra Ram and Phra Lak as well as the traditional royal khon make-up.
In the third scene -- "The Battlefield" -- when the monkey army led by Phra Ram confronts the demon army led by Mangkonkan, the viewers relished two exquisite royal chariots, glittering costumes and fine dancing. I was much impressed with the setting when Mangkonkan makes himself invisible and hides in clouds in the form of a multitude of clones, but is finally shot and killed by Phra Ram's Plaiwat arrow.
In the next scene, "Battle News At The Longka Throne Hall", the set is inspired by the architecture and decorative art of a number of royal mansions and temples; it is an improved version of the previous performance and bedecked with gold on glass. The Muang Nakhon brocades and ornaments worn by Tosakanth are superb. And yet with the splendid dance and the showpiece of Kalasoon flying to meet Indrajit, I felt this scene was a bit too long.
In Act 2: Scene 2 – "Disruption Of The Ceremony", Indrajit is performing the immersion ceremony of his Prommas arrow when he is interrupted by Kalasoon, who brings the news about the defeat of Mangkonkan and the army marching order of Tosakanth. The setting looks mysterious with the use of gloomy tree models, blue lighting and smoke. Here comes one of the show's highlights -- the Chui Chai dance -- which is impeccable in the aspects of wording, dancing and costumes when Indrajit disguises himself as god Indra to deceive the monkey army. This dance was performed by Luang Wilaswong-ngam, a khon master who played this role in the reign of King Rama VI and later taught this dance to the Fine Arts Department.
The final scene "The Prommas Arrow (The Battlefied)", is my favourite. The audience will be in awe of the splendour of the dancing gods and goddesses. The 3.5m-high model of Indra's Erawan elephant can bow and move its three heads, trunks and necks. Indrajit is in disguise as Indra shoots his Prommas arrow at Phra Lak and the entire army, making all except Hanuman unconscious. What follows is Hanuman's great action, as well as Phra Ram's journey to find an antidote for his tranquillised army. This ending wows the audience with a big surprise that should not be missed.
Like every year, this edition of the royal khon performance shines with a rare quality. It also shows a commendable consistency over the years for its beauty of dancing, singing, voice-overs, dialogue, settings and costumes. At a time when there's concern over the survival of old arts, this show is a springboard for the new generation to learn to appreciate khon, and even to practice in the discipline themselves.
The Battle Of Indrajit: Prommas
Phra Ram fights Mangkonkan on the battlefield.
Indrajit in the 'Disruption Of The Ceremony' scene.
