New York has Broadway and London has the West End. Although Bangkok may not have a dedicated theater area it certainly has some lively entertainment with very special twists that is on par with those in any other city.
Siam Niramit is the city’s premier cultural show that narrates the story of Thailand’s historical and spiritual heritage in three acts. Featuring a cast of hundreds, dazzling costumes, impressive set design and state of the art special effects the show is presented without a break in 80 fascinating minutes. Flying gods and goddesses, elephants and other live animals running across the stage, a ship on actual water and for a true cultural feel, some excellent traditional Thai dancing all executed on a huge stage that has made it to the Guinness World Records.
A show of a different kind, but equally dazzling is the Broadway revue type of show put on by the lady-boy cabaret at the Asiatique in a club like atmosphere created by shaded lamps on small bistro tables. The 90 minute show features glitzy costumes, an eclectic selection of music and plenty of lights and makeup. Polished performance by the lady boys makes it one of the best shows to see in town. Among the shows attractions are several lookalikes of once famous Hollywood stars.
Puppet shows at the Aksra Theater are also part of Bangkok’s evening entertainment. Thai folk tales are told through puppets to the accompaniment of Thai music, special effects and dance. Unlike other puppet shows the puppeteers are part of the performance dressed in black while the puppets arrayed in gorgeous costumes take centre stage amidst beautifully designed sets. Three puppeteers control one puppet. The combination of puppeteers and puppets acting out a story is a new experience to many. Stories from the epic Ramayana, Thai martial arts and regional dances are part of the performance.
The Thai National Theater holds two daily performances of ‘Khon’ or traditional mask dance dramas on the 1st Sunday and Saturday of each month. On the last Friday of each month the dance troupe of the Fine Arts Department stages ‘lakhon’ a different kind of Thai classical dance drama.
Khon is also performed every Friday and Saturday evening at the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theater. English subtitles are given on a screen above the stage along with explanations of dance movements. Masks are introduced to the audience before the show.
Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok not only provides convenience of location for business and leisure visitors but also puts at their disposal some of the best, fully equipped Sukhumvit accommodation. The well designed spaces and modern facilities and amenities of these Bangkok serviced apartments cater to much of the needs of long and short term residents.
