Lakhon nai

Lakhon nai
A Siamese theatrical group circa 1900
Part of a series on Dance drama of Southeast Asia
Burma
Yama Zatdaw
Cambodia
Lakhon Khol Lakhon Pol Srey Royal Ballet of Cambodia Yike
Indonesia
Bangsawan Barong Gambuh Kecak Ketoprak Kuda Lumping Legong Lenong Ludruk Mak yong Ramayana Ballet Randai Reog Ronggeng Sandiwara Toneel Topeng Wayang wong
Laos
Classical dance and theatre
Malaysia
Bangsawan Boria Jikey Kuda Kepang Mak Yong Mek Mulung Menora Ulek Mayang
Philippines
Pangalay Singkil
Thailand
Khon Lakhon nai Lakhon chatri Lakhon nok Likay Manora
Vietnam
Nhã nhạc

Lakhon nai (Thai: ละครใน) is a performing art originating in the royal court of Thailand (formerly Siam). It features a slow choreography accompanied by a piphat ensemble. The repertoire of Lakhon Nai consists of only four epics; The Ramakian, Unarut (Aniruddha), Inao (Panji) and Dalang (a greater version of Inao).^[1] A variation of this genre with male performers is called lakhon nai phu chai (ละครในผู้ชาย).

Etymology

Lakhon nai is believed to be a contraction of lakhon nang nai (ละครนางใน), or 'theatre of the women of the palace.'^[2] It was also known as lakhon khang nai (ละครข้างใน, lit., theatre of the inner court) and lakhon nai phra ratchathan (ละครในพระราชฐาน, lit., theatre of [belonging to] the King).^[3]

References

Bibliography

• Brandon, James R. (1967). Theatre in Southeast Asia. Harvard University Press

Notes