Historic Khon performance at Wat Chaiwatthanaram showcases Ramayana’s Satchapali
March 9 - 10 , 2024
The Office of Performing Arts, under the Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, collaborates with the Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation to present a unique cultural performance in Thailand. This event combines two UNESCO heritage elements, showcasing the Ramayana story of Satchapali through Khon, UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage. Taking place at the historic site of Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the performance is scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, March 9-10, 2024, starting at 17:30 Hrs. Featuring modern lighting and state-of-the-art sound techniques, the stage is set to enhance the venue's ambiance. The Thai National Symphony Orchestra provides a compelling prelude, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sunset atmosphere.
Admission to the performance is complimentary, with an entrance fee to Wat Chaiwatthanaram contributing to site maintenance. This event reflects the commitment of the Fine Arts Department and the Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation to preserving and promoting Thailand's cultural heritage. It is part of the "Tonight at Wat Chaiwatthanaram" project, extended until April 2024 as "Ayutthaya Sundown 2024," following its positive reception.
Mr. Phanombut Chantarachot, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, said “This initiative allows visitors to marvel at the ancient site beneath the evening sky while participating in artistic and cultural activities, including the captivating Khon performance, courtesy of the Office of Performing Arts in collaboration with the Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation.
Regarded as a landmark cultural performance of Thailand, we would like to extend our gratitude to the Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation for their recognition of the value of Thai arts and culture. Their commitment to preserving this invaluable heritage for future generations sets an exemplary model of public-private collaboration in advancing our national cultural identity, both locally and globally. We warmly invite you to join us in experiencing this significant spectacle together.”
Mr. Lasit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director of the Office of Performing Arts, said “The Office of Performing Arts places great emphasis on executing projects that bring cultural performances to regions across Thailand, directly engaging with the people and taking national theatre to the people.
Our approach involves crafting performances that neatly and invitingly convey stories, while seamlessly integrating modern technology to enrich the viewing experience.
Our goal is not only to delight our existing audience but also to reach out to the younger generation and people outside of Bangkok, providing them with the opportunity to watch cultural performances.
The “Satchapali” performance at Wat Chaiwatthanaram marks another significant chapter in the Ramayana saga that serves as a pivotal episode that unites key characters from the narrative as well as being great entertainment. We assure viewers that they will find immense joy in witnessing this captivating performance.”
Mr. Somkid Rujeepakorn, Committee and Secretary-General of the Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation, said “The foundation was established over two decades ago to enhance the quality of life and foster sustainable positive change within Thai society.
One of our operational principles is the encourage and preservation of arts and culture, as they embody the identity of the Thai nation. Particularly, we are dedicated to ensuring that the younger generation has the opportunity to experience, learn, and participate in these invaluable traditions.
Over the years, we have collaborated closely with the Fine Arts Department on various initiatives, including projects focused on nurturing technical skills for the restoration of paintings and Thai sculptures, as well as educational programs aimed at immersing teachers in authentic historical and cultural contexts that inform curriculum development.
Our recent initiative, we have the honour of organizing the Khon performance which is a pinnacle of Thai performing arts that seamlessly merges multiple arts. With the collective efforts of numerous stakeholders, we aspire not only to leave a lasting impression on the audiences but also to contribute significantly to the preservation of Thai culture, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, ensuring its continued glory for generations to come.”
For more information: https://www.tatnews.org
