Historic Khon performance at Wat Chaiwatthanaram showcases Ramayana's Satchapali
Mr. Phanombut Chantarachot (centre), Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, Mr. LasitIsarangkun Na Ayuthaya (left), Director of the Office of Performing Arts and Mr. Somkid Rujeepakorn(right), Committee and Secretary-General of the Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation announced an unprecedented cultural performance in Thailand - The story of Ramayana, Satchapali at "Wat Chaiwatthanaram’ in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province on March 9-10, 2024.
Bangkok, Thailand, 15 February 2024 - The Office of Performing Arts, Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the SuthiratYoovidhya Foundation, presents an unprecedented cultural performance in Thailand combining two elements United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage during a captivating Khon performance in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The story of Ramayana, Satchapali will be performed through "Khon - the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (ICH)" at "Wat Chaiwatthanaram’ – the site adjacent to the World Heritage Site on March 9-10, 2024. The event is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to preserve and promote Thailand's rich cultural heritage, as well as inspiring pride and interest in history among Thai people while showcasing the nation's culture to the international community.
Mr. Phanombut Chantarachot, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, said, "In alignment with the government's soft power strategy and to enhance religious and cultural tourism, the Fine Arts Department has launched the 'Tonight at Wat Chaiwatthanaram' project in November 2023. Due to its positive response, the project has been extended until April 2024 as the 'Ayutthaya Sundown 2024.' This initiative allows visitors to marvel at the ancient site beneath the evening sky while participating in artistic and cultural activities, including the captivating Khon performance, courtesy of the Office of Performing Arts in collaboration with the SuthiratYoovidhya Foundation. Regarded as a landmark cultural performance of Thailand, we would like to extend our gratitude to the Suthirat YoovidhyaFoundation for their recognition of the value of Thai arts and culture. Their commitment to preserving this invaluable heritage for future generations sets an exemplary model of public-private collaboration in advancing our national cultural identity, both locally and globally. We warmly invite you to join us in experiencing this significant spectacle together."
Mr. Phanombut Chantarachot, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department
Mr. Lasit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director of the Office of Performing Arts, said, "The Office of Performing Arts places great emphasis on executing projects that bring cultural performances to regions across Thailand, directly engaging with the peopleand taking national theatre to the people. Our approach involves crafting performances that neatly and invitingly convey stories, while seamlessly integrating modern technology to enrich the viewing experience. Our goal is not only to delight our existing audience but also to reach out to the younger generation and people outside of Bangkok, providing them with the opportunity to watch cultural performances. The “Satchapali” performance at Wat Chaiwatthanaram marks another significant chapter in the Ramayana saga that serves as a pivotal episode that unites key characters from the narrative as well as being great entertainment. We assure viewers that they will find immense joy in witnessing this captivating performance."
Mr. Lasit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director of the Office of Performing Arts
Mr. Somkid Rujeepakorn, Committee and Secretary-General of the Suthirat YoovidhyaFoundation, said, "The foundation was established over two decades ago to enhance the quality of life and foster sustainable positive change within Thai society. One of our operational principles is the encourage and preservation of arts and culture, as they embody the identity of the Thai nation. Particularly, we are dedicated to ensuring that the younger generation has the opportunity toexperience, learn, and participate in these invaluable traditions. Over the years, we have collaborated closely with the Fine Arts Department on various initiatives, including projects focused on nurturing technical skills for the restoration of paintings and Thai sculptures, as well as educational programs aimed at immersing teachers in authentic historical and cultural contexts that inform curriculum development. Our recent initiative, we have the honor of organizing the Khon performance which is a pinnacle of Thai performing arts that seamlessly merges multiple arts. With the collective efforts of numerous stakeholders, we aspire not only to leave a lasting impression on the audiences but also to contribute significantly to the preservation of Thai culture, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, ensuring its continued glory for generations to come."
Mr. Somkid Rujeepakorn, Committee and Secretary-General of the Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation
The Khon performance presents the Ramayana tale in the Satchapali series and stands as a magnificent testament to Thai artistry, blending two internationally revered traditions. Set against the backdrop of Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, a significant ancient site inthe Historic City of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich architectural and artistic history, this event offers a rare opportunity for the public to experience this grand spectacle. Enhanced by modern lighting, vibrant colors, and state-of-the-art sound techniques, the performance stage is designed to complement the venue in every aspect. In addition, the Thai National Symphony Orchestra of the Office of Performing Arts, the Fine Arts Department, sets the stage with a compelling prelude, allowing visitors to enjoy the sunset ambience of this historic site.
The Khon performance of the Ramayana, Satchapaliseries
The Khon performance of the Ramayana, Satchapaliseries, is scheduled to take place on March 9-10, 2024, starting at 17:30 at Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Admission to the performance is complimentary; however, visitorsare required to pay an entrance fee of only 10 baht per person to enter Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The proceeds from this fee will contribute to the ongoing maintenance of this historic site.
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About Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation
Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation was founded in 2003 as a public charity organization, registered undernumber 724 by the Ministry of Finance, operating as a non-profit entity. Led by Mr. Suthirat Yoovidhya, founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, the foundation is committed to enhancing public welfare without political affiliations. The foundation's primary objective is to contribute to Thai society by focusing on six key areas: community, agriculture, public health, education, cultural, and donations.
Over the years, the foundation has collaborated with the younger generation, local communities, and various stakeholders dedicated to societal improvement. Through knowledge sharing, research and development, and active support, the foundation has facilitated the implementation of impactful projects aimed at improving community resilience and environmental sustainability. These initiatives strive to elevate the quality of life for people across Thai society, serving as examples of sustainable change that offer valuable insights for fostering enduring societal progress.
For further media information, please contact:
Waruch-on Manomairat (Yim) or Natsha Kheawchaoom (Am)
Spark Communications Co., Ltd. (on behalf of Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation)
Tel: 081 854 9946 or 081 812 8839
Email: yim@spark.co.th; am@spark.co.th.
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