Among the most popular form of Thai theater is likay, a sort of slapstick style vaudeville. You can usually catch likay performances at temple fairs and other special events.
Patravadi Theater
The theater company was established in 1992 by Patravadi Mejudhon, an award winning actress in movies, television and stage. She is also an acclaimed director and playwright. The company also hosts the Institute for Performing Arts, which provides workshops to professionals as well as students of Chulalongkorn and Mahidol Universities.
In Thailand, the name Patravadi is synonymous with the performing arts. Patravadi Mejudhon, the founder and artistic director of the Theatre, has been a pioneering force in Thai arts scene for more than thirty years. In 1992, she founded the independent performing arts space Patravadi Theatre.
Through the years, the theatre has grown to become a prominent home for the performing arts in Thailand. Under its roof, the company has created numerous acclaimed productions, founded a performing arts school, carried out international exchanges, experimented arts in different media and at the same time preserved and developed traditional arts. Al lthese efforts are different facets of the same commitment -- to develop excellence in Thai performing arts and artists. Many artists trained in Patravadi Theatre have become prominent artists on their own.
The Theatre is particularyly known for its works which root in Thai traditions yet simultaneously embrace international elements. The company has not only enjoyed success at home but has also impressed international audiences in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Denmark, Spain, India, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Patravadi Theatre owns one of the most charming settings in Bangkok. it is located next to the Chao Phraya River bank, across from the Royal Grand Palace, adjacent to the royal temple Wat Rakang, amidst a lively Thai neighborhood of narrow alleys full of food stalls and local vendors. The Theatre itself is an idyllic garden compound of various spaces, including a medium-sized theatre-in-the-garden, two studio-sized theatres, a gallery, an open-air restaurant, a souvenir shop and a number of full-serviced rooms and apartments.
Patravadi Theatre always has something to offer to the culturally minded. It has gained recognition as a space for staging a variety of productions and festivals, ranging from classical to innovative and contemporary styles created by Thai as well as international artists.
Visitors can come to have a glimpse of life and activities of Thai artists -- drum and classical dance classes in the garden, or performances by young artists in the weekend, while enjoying the international flavours at our open-air restaurant. Workshops and classes of various kinds are open to all. Check out our shop for our uniquely designed products to bring home for friends. For a longer experience in the theatre setting, our home-stay services provided an alternative accommodation to the hustles and bustles of the city. Professional artists are welcomed to check our Artist-in-Residence scheme for cultural immersion and collaboration. Schools are welcomed to contact them for creative performing arts classes. Their theatres are also available for rental not only for theatrical productions but also special events and occasions.
The Traditional Thai Puppet Theater (Joe Louis)
In 1984, Sakorn set up a booth at the annual Suan Amporn Fair in Bangkok to demonstrate the ancient art of making khon masks. He took with him to the booth the puppet of the old hermit from the Ramakian he had made. The puppet attracted attention, and when the Tourism Authority of Thailand discovered that this impoverished old man was the last living person who knows the art of theatrical puppetry, it offered him money to make more puppets and revive performances. The following year, Sakorn and his children gave a performance at the fair. He named the troupe Hun Lakorn Lek( Joe Louis), Sakorn Natasilp Troupe: Maestro Krae's Grandchildrens Lakorn Lek. The revival was welcomed but there was not enough demand for performances for it to be sustainable or viable as a livelihood.
In 1996, the Commission for National Culture nominated Sakorn for the title of National Artist (Performing Arts Category: Small Theatrical Puppetry). This nomination was made in the name of His Majesty the King, in whose name the honorific title of National Artist was bestowed. The accompanying medal was awarded by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirinthorn, daugther of His Majesty. This recognition enabled Sakorn and his children to raise enough money to open a small puppet theatre near their home in Nontaburi province. The theater was consecrated on 28th December 1999, and the first performance was given on 3rd January 2000. The theater was called the Joe Louis Theater. The revival was still not successful: the theater was rudimentary and too remote from the metropolis, and few went to see it. In May 2002, the theater was moved to its present and more central location at the Suan Lum Night Bazaar in Bangkok.
On 10th July 2002, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirinthorn, His Majesty's daughter, officially opened the theatre and unveiled the plaque. On 5th December 2004, Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, sister of His Majesty the King, re-named the theater Nattayasala Hun Lakorn Lek(Joe Louis) in Thai and The Traditional Thai Puppet Theater in English. The Traditional Thai Puppet Theater Foundation is under Her Royal Highness's patronage.
