Likay:a valuabe Thai performing art heritage


Likay:or Yikay (in popular language) is a folk performing group hired to peform at Buddhist temple's annual fairs or at private houses to celedrate a housewarming, ordination or cremation ceremony. Sometimes Likay is staged as a paid performance inside a temporary enclosure where audiences have to pay a fee to enter.Inside this enclosure is a low, raised stage with settees or benches for performers to sit on during the performance. At the back of the stage is slightly higher platform for a Pipart musical band (thai orchestra consisting of the gamelan) and panels of painting of different sceneries as a backdrop to the play. The panels also serve to block off audiences from the performers dressing area.

Likay can be performed both day and night.the performance usually begins with prelude music to entice audiences to the show,followed by short skits to introduce the Likay troupe and the play of a particular session as well as to express the troupeis gratitude to the hosts and the audiences.

The outstanding feature of Likay performamce is the extravagant costumes of lead actors which generally consist of an attire adorned with fake diamonds and jewelry. the heroes wear a head band with extra large white ostrich plume and long white socks. the trademark music of Likay is the Radniklerng music which is played thoughout the performance.

Salachalermkrung Rayal Thetre

Sala Chalermkrung which was the frist theatre for sound movies in Thailand. It was said to be the most luxurious and opulent theatre of that period and it has maintained its classic look till today.



Performances

Press Release
Khon-Thai Classical Masked Dance at the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre

On the Auspicious Occasion of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne, the Sala Chalermkrung Foundation, the Crown Property Bureau and the Tourism Authority of Thailand jointly organized the Khon-Thai Classical Masked Performance entitled “Pra Chakrawatan” during December 2005-July 2006, and “Hanuman Chankamhaeng” during July 20, 2006 – July 3, 2010 at the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre.


The Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre now proudly presents a new episode of Khon-Masked Dance entitled “Hanuman Becoming Phra Chakri’s Devotee”, an excerpt from Ramakien story.

This spectacular episode has 60 performers, with elaborate dress specially designed for this specific dance. It involves highly traditional singing, dancing, acting, acrobatics and music.

The performance will be premiered on 15th July 2010, and will regularly perform every Thursday and Friday at 19.30 hours at the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre. Tickets cost Baht 800 / 1,000 and 1,200.

Bookings can be made at the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, Tel. 02 224 4499, or at Thai Ticket Major, Tel. 02 262 3456 or www.thaiticketmajor.com

Khon Thai Masked Dance at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre "Hanuman Becoming Phra Chakri’s Devotee"
Every Thursday and Friday:
7.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.,Baht 800 / 1,000 and 1,200 : information more
http://www.salachalermkrung.com/

Waterways for living


The lifestyle of Thai people has long been associated with waterways-for living,traveling and trading.

Amphawa floating market
Today,Floating market is paid attention by tourists more than it is in the past.As it is not too far from Bangkok,just taking 2 hour,you will be embraced by atmosphere of liveliness in floating market.At amphawa floating market.Tourists could see people going about their lives,

As many important rivers flow through the center of Thailand and to the sea, they have affected central Thai lifestyle since long before recorded history. Previously, many central-Thai people built their communities by the rivers because they needed to use water in their daily life. The rivers are also a means of transportation. Nowadays, we can see and appreciate the remaining essence of old traditional Thai Lifestyle at the canal floating markets at Amphawa district, Samut Songkhram Province.