Khon, masked dance drama in Thailand
Khon, the Khon Masked Dance-Drama in Thailand, is a performing art combining graceful dance movements, instrumental and vocal renditions and glittering costumes. Khon performances, which have a strong didactic function, depict the life and glory of Rama, the hero and incarnation of the god Vishnu, who brings order and justice to the world. While traditionally Khon was transmitted in the the royal or princely courts and in dance masters’ households, nowadays transmission occurs mostly in educational institutions, while still adhering largely to traditional methods.
Khon, the Khon Masked Dance-Drama in Thailand, is a performing art combining graceful dance movements, instrumental and vocal renditions and glittering costumes. Khon performances, which have a strong didactic function, depict the life and glory of Rama, the hero and incarnation of the god Vishnu, who brings order and justice to the world. While traditionally Khon was transmitted in the the royal or princely courts and in dance masters’ households, nowadays transmission occurs mostly in educational institutions, while still adhering largely to traditional methods. (UNESCO)