Lakhon nai

Thai performing art
Lakhon nai
A Siamese theatrical group c. 1900
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Lakhon nai (Thai: ละครใน, pronounced [lā.kʰɔ̄ːn nāj]) is a Thai performing art originating in the royal court of Thailand (formerly Siam). It features 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]: 67  A variation of this genre with male performers is called lakhon nai phu chai (Thai: ละครในผู้ชาย; RTGS: lakhon nai phu chai).

Etymology

Lakhon nai is believed to be a contraction of lakhon nang nai (ละครนางใน), or 'theatre of the women of the palace'.[1]: 63  It was also known as lakhon khang nai (ละครข้างใน, literally, 'theatre of the inner court') and lakhon nai phra ratchathan (ละครในพระราชฐาน, literally, 'theatre of [belonging to] the king').[2][failed verification]

References

  1. ^ a b Brandon, James R (1967). Theatre in Southeast Asia. Harvard University Press. ISBN 0674875877. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  2. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-09-04. Retrieved 2011-06-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)