The image of new illusion technology and the performance of Thai ancient civilization, an art, belief and procedure of culture and religion, are full of wonderful creations, for example, the Fantasy of a kingdom and the Culture Illusion show. Although PhuketFantasea adapted the concept of Las Vegas theatre to use in the performances, it is a private show that was established locally. From a news report at that time, I knew that the tsunami attacked PhuketFantasea and other natural treasures such as the wonderful coral reefs. The tsunami nightmare is a tragic lesson for all Thai people and the world. Fortunately, the theatre of PhuketFantasea came alive once again after 140 acres of Kamala beach was damaged.
Bangkok is a primary destination for international tourists. But Bangkok does not have many cultural entertainment places. In the past, Timland was an occasion to blend performance and culture together, also Laddaland in Chiangmai, but both were cancelled because of economic and poor maintenance. In developing countries, arts and performances are not human basic needs. So government pays little attention. Artists create new works regularly, but less support makes them hopeless.
The tsunami crisis froze Thai tourism. The private sector attempted to push alternative cultural currents to bring back the traveling foreigners who want to come to Thailand. In Bangkok, Rachada Grand Theatre, a place that belonged to a group in the private sector, set a show about Thai local arts of 4 regions of Thailand and presented world class performances in the project called "Siamniramit". This is like a hot dish from Thai cuisine that was prepared carefully in the ways of local society by simulating local life scenes and Thai local tradition of 4 regions.
When I sat down I took in the big stage: Sounds of KlongSabatChai (Drum performance), Lanna local music and Thai northern dancing. Lots of performers walked in from many directions.
Suddenly I saw the ThaiLannaKingdom and WatPhra Singh temple of Chiang Mai scene. Lanna people dressed beautifully, participated in the Loy Krathong Festival. The King released "KomLoi" into the sky. Someone said that all tragedy and sickness will flow with paper balloon as well.
The Thai northern Lanna scene went out and the blue sky scene came in. I saw sea waves, lights and shadows of the shadow play (Nung Ta Loong). There was a Norah dance as well. Unique music from the South accompanied by Thai flutes and drums. A big vessel came from the left of stage. There was a goods exchange such as clothes, beautiful vases, etc. This is a performance that tells the story of Chinese people who sailed to Thailand to trade goods in the old times.
There was a Sueng (North-Eastern dance) that was more enjoyable than the others. NangApsorn, a sand stone-carving picture, stands still in the stone palace. The female dancers dance in pale light.
The last part is the way of life in Central region. Bangkok and neighboring provinces have a lasting relationship with rivers. It is Venice of the East. Monks came to beg for food in early morning by sailing with small wooden boats. It was delightful.
The combination of Buddhism beliefs about goodness and sins, heaven and hell can scare us in different ways. Himmaphant forest, gateway to heaven, has dancing animalsfromThai literature. This became a wonderful land between heaven and hell in the imagination.
The play amazed me. NangManeemekala, an angel, danced beautifully, holding a crystal ball in her hand to lure Ramasoon, a giant in Literature. And she flew back to heaven.
At last, local traditions were performed. For example, Poi Sang Long of Tai people, Songkranfestival, and Loy Krathong in Sukhothai province where NangNoppamas sits in a giant Krathong. Many villagers came to join and brought their Krathongs to float in Khongkariver.
Siamniramit is outstanding with one of the largest stages in the world. It is part of the beauty after the tsunami.
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