WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.860 Hi, this is View from Point of View channel. 00:00:02.020 --> 00:00:04.680 We're now at Suvarnabhumi Airport, again! 00:00:05.080 --> 00:00:07.660 I'm gonna give you a hint, we're going somewhere. 00:00:07.680 --> 00:00:10.620 But we're not traveling abroad this time, we're traveling in Thailand. 00:00:10.680 --> 00:00:12.720 We're going there because I've heard that, 00:00:12.720 --> 00:00:17.240 this particular show, which is exceptional, is taking place in Chiangrai Province. 00:00:17.320 --> 00:00:20.500 It's Khon Klang Plaeng everyone! 00:00:20.500 --> 00:00:24.300 So, I suggest that we got on the plane to Chiangrai Province 00:00:24.400 --> 00:00:25.800 and let's go see Khon Klang Plaeng. 00:00:25.800 --> 00:00:27.800 Let's see what it is 00:00:27.800 --> 00:00:30.900 and see if there's any difference from regular Khon that we've seen. 00:00:31.200 --> 00:00:32.500 Before arriving in Chiangrai Province, 00:00:32.500 --> 00:00:34.900 don't forget to follow me on social media. 00:00:35.100 --> 00:00:38.500 Okay, are you ready for the fun and the learning? 00:00:38.500 --> 00:00:40.600 If so, let's hit the road! 00:00:46.480 --> 00:00:47.220 We're now in Chiangrai! 00:00:47.500 --> 00:00:52.100 People might be wondering why must we come all the way to Chiangrai Province for Khon Klang Plaeng. 00:00:52.100 --> 00:00:54.100 Other provinces also have Khon, why are we coming here? 00:00:54.760 --> 00:00:59.000 Well, I must say that it's because this one particular event is taking place in Chiang Rai -- 00:00:59.400 --> 00:01:02.300 which is International Balloon Festival 2019 00:01:02.400 --> 00:01:06.900 or Singha Park Chiangrai International Balloon Fiesta 2019. 00:01:07.000 --> 00:01:10.900 The festival took place in February 13 to 17 00:01:11.300 --> 00:01:12.900 at Singha Park in Chiangrai Province. 00:01:13.100 --> 00:01:15.400 Since it is an international balloon festival 00:01:15.400 --> 00:01:16.400 there must be balloon races 00:01:16.400 --> 00:01:18.700 and colorful balloon shows. 00:01:18.900 --> 00:01:21.000 But what does balloon have to do with Khon anyway? 00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:23.500 Well, for this balloon festival --- 00:01:23.600 --> 00:01:27.200 there isn't just balloons, but also other activities, 00:01:27.395 --> 00:01:29.600 like concerts of great singers. 00:01:29.600 --> 00:01:31.900 When I was at the concert, there was Palmy 00:01:31.900 --> 00:01:33.000 Nuvo 00:01:33.395 --> 00:01:34.300 Poly Cat 00:01:34.300 --> 00:01:35.215 Hugo was also there. 00:01:35.500 --> 00:01:38.125 Oh, please! There was too much to count. 00:01:38.325 --> 00:01:41.125 And apart from that, there's also food stalls around. 00:01:41.125 --> 00:01:44.065 This is truly a space for family gathering. 00:01:44.500 --> 00:01:47.065 The best part is that --- 00:01:47.065 --> 00:01:50.500 the organizers also value Thai identity. 00:01:50.600 --> 00:01:54.880 That's why they have Khon as one of their shows. 00:01:54.880 --> 00:01:57.100 And since there are foreigners everywhere, Khon is a great way to promote Thai culture. 00:01:57.100 --> 00:01:57.900 Moreover, 00:01:57.900 --> 00:02:00.800 Khon they're performing is also Khon Klang Plaeng. 00:02:00.800 --> 00:02:03.500 This year marks the second time of this festival. 00:02:03.500 --> 00:02:05.700 Last year was its first time, 00:02:05.700 --> 00:02:09.600 to have Khon Klang Plaeng performance in the festival. 00:02:09.615 --> 00:02:10.900 Are you guys seeing this? 00:02:10.900 --> 00:02:13.300 This festival has everything! 00:02:13.300 --> 00:02:16.600 Khon performance, concerts, great food 00:02:16.600 --> 00:02:18.700 and views for nice pictures 00:02:18.700 --> 00:02:21.715 which you guys might already see on my Instagram feed. 00:02:22.300 --> 00:02:23.300 That was very off-topic. 00:02:23.300 --> 00:02:24.765 There's only 2 rounds of Khon performance. 00:02:24.765 --> 00:02:26.100 But I'm in Chiangrai for so many days. 00:02:26.100 --> 00:02:27.815 Feeling so motivated. 00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:30.880 If you guys are ready, let's go see Khon Klang Plaeng! 00:02:31.540 --> 00:02:32.475 00:02:32.480 --> 00:02:33.320 Okay everyone 00:02:33.320 --> 00:02:36.560 After 2 days in Chiangrai, 00:02:36.565 --> 00:02:39.300 I've done so many things. 00:02:39.400 --> 00:02:41.100 2 days at the balloon festival --- 00:02:41.100 --> 00:02:45.000 I went to the concerts, I flew on hot air balloon 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:47.400 and most importantly, I already took a sneak peek at the rehearsal. 00:02:47.400 --> 00:02:48.800 And finally, the day has come. 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:52.200 The day of Khon Klang Plaeng performance. 00:02:52.200 --> 00:02:55.900 And right now, we're here at Singha Park in Chiangrai Province. 00:02:56.400 --> 00:02:58.760 I'll take you guys to see Khon Klang Plaeng then! 00:02:59.100 --> 00:03:02.500 First off, this is the right venue for Khon Klang Plaeng 00:03:02.700 --> 00:03:06.800 because it needs space, like, big grass field, 00:03:06.900 --> 00:03:10.000 to play battle scenes. Khon Klang Plaeng's stories are always from battle scenes. 00:03:10.100 --> 00:03:11.635 And it's really rare these days. 00:03:11.635 --> 00:03:15.600 Even more than that, the performers for the show are the artists from Wang-Na! 00:03:15.600 --> 00:03:17.000 I already saw it last night. 00:03:17.000 --> 00:03:18.720 And I can tell you, it's gonna be an eye-opening experience. 00:03:18.900 --> 00:03:21.200 Let's go see Khon Klang Plaeng performance 00:03:21.200 --> 00:03:22.800 And I'll explain later -- 00:03:22.800 --> 00:03:24.600 why must it be Khon Klang Plaeng 00:03:24.600 --> 00:03:27.400 , what's the difference between Khon Klang Plaeng and Khon we've seen often 00:03:27.915 --> 00:03:29.100 and how many types of Khon there are. 00:03:29.100 --> 00:03:30.200 Let's go see the performance! 00:03:31.300 --> 00:03:34.400 Right now, we're already in front of the stage. 00:03:34.600 --> 00:03:36.700 We're about to see Khon Klang Plaeng. 00:03:36.700 --> 00:03:40.000 But first, let's get to know how many types of Khon there are 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:42.500 and how Khon Klang Plaeng is different from other types of Khon. 00:03:42.500 --> 00:03:43.900 Let's go! 00:03:44.400 --> 00:03:47.300 It's quiet inappropriate to do the explanation in the venue. 00:03:47.300 --> 00:03:48.865 We should be mindful of the performers 00:03:48.900 --> 00:03:51.200 because they are on the stage. We can't just talk all the time. 00:03:51.300 --> 00:03:53.200 And it also disturbs the others. 00:03:53.200 --> 00:03:55.400 So, it's best to do this outside. 00:03:55.400 --> 00:03:57.900 We all know that Khon is a dance-drama performance 00:03:58.000 --> 00:03:59.780 of which performers are wearing masks 00:03:59.780 --> 00:04:03.400 and dancing rhythmically with the music, right? 00:04:03.400 --> 00:04:06.500 But, actually, there are many types of Khon. 00:04:06.500 --> 00:04:08.400 There's more than one. 00:04:08.400 --> 00:04:10.200 I understand that we see Khon as 00:04:10.200 --> 00:04:13.005 a performance on stage, something like that, right? 00:04:13.005 --> 00:04:16.100 But, in fact, there are 5 types of Khon. 00:04:16.100 --> 00:04:19.000 The first one is Khon Rong Nai -- 00:04:19.000 --> 00:04:21.500 what we're most familiar with 00:04:21.500 --> 00:04:25.100 since Fine Arts Department of Thailand often host Khon Rong Nai performance. 00:04:25.100 --> 00:04:29.500 Khon Rong Nai is a combination between Lakhon Nai and Khon. 00:04:29.500 --> 00:04:30.900 Apart from Khon movement, 00:04:30.900 --> 00:04:32.500 Khon narration and dialogue, 00:04:32.500 --> 00:04:35.100 there's also Thai traditional dancing. 00:04:35.100 --> 00:04:39.000 And it also features 2 Pi Phat orchestras. 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:40.900 During these days, most of Khon performances by the Fine Arts Department, 00:04:40.900 --> 00:04:44.000 whether performed indoor or outdoor, 00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:47.500 are always of Khon Rong Nai style, because it is spectacular. 00:04:47.500 --> 00:04:48.900 There's traditional dancing, graceful movements. 00:04:48.900 --> 00:04:52.000 And since there's Khon Rong Nai, there's also, of course 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:53.400 Khon Rong Nok. 00:04:53.400 --> 00:04:55.995 There's a slight difference between Khon Rong Nai and Khon Rong Nok. 00:04:55.995 --> 00:04:59.300 Khon Rong Nok's setting isn't as precise as Khon Rong Nai's. 00:04:59.300 --> 00:05:01.400 There's no proper setting. 00:05:01.400 --> 00:05:03.180 It's set on common stage or platform 00:05:03.180 --> 00:05:06.000 with bamboo rails set along its length. 00:05:06.000 --> 00:05:07.100 Imagine the stage... 00:05:07.100 --> 00:05:10.200 with bamboo rails laid from one side to the other. 00:05:10.200 --> 00:05:11.900 Normally, while watching Khon, 00:05:11.900 --> 00:05:15.800 we'll see a seat, some sort of thing like a bench... 00:05:15.800 --> 00:05:17.200 looking like a throne. 00:05:17.200 --> 00:05:19.000 Khon Rong Nok doesn't have these things on stage. 00:05:19.000 --> 00:05:23.300 They'll be using the rails as the throne. 00:05:23.305 --> 00:05:25.700 That's why this type of Khon is also called -- 00:05:25.700 --> 00:05:27.435 Khon Nang Rao. 00:05:27.600 --> 00:05:30.700 Next, we have Khon Na Cho. 00:05:30.700 --> 00:05:33.605 Khon Na Cho is developed out of Thai shadow play or Nang Yai. 00:05:33.605 --> 00:05:36.800 Everyone might already know Nang Yai. 00:05:36.800 --> 00:05:38.600 The performers first put up the backdrop, right? 00:05:38.600 --> 00:05:41.600 Then they'll hold up the carved buffalo-skinned puppets 00:05:41.600 --> 00:05:43.600 and let the backdrop reflects the shadow. 00:05:43.600 --> 00:05:44.400 And there are also performers dancing. 00:05:44.400 --> 00:05:47.200 But, at that time, playing only with shadows became boring. 00:05:47.200 --> 00:05:51.100 That's why sometimes they incorporated Khon into Nang Yai performance. 00:05:51.100 --> 00:05:53.500 Like, while the puppet was being held up, a person walked out from behind. 00:05:53.765 --> 00:05:55.300 Bam, a performer in Khon costume appeared. 00:05:55.300 --> 00:05:57.300 But after a while, 00:05:57.300 --> 00:06:00.800 people felt that Khon performing is more exciting than Nang Yai's. 00:06:00.800 --> 00:06:05.800 It led to having Khon performances in front of the same backdrop. 00:06:05.800 --> 00:06:07.400 The puppets were removed. 00:06:07.400 --> 00:06:09.800 So, that is another type of Khon. 00:06:09.800 --> 00:06:11.700 And the fourth type of Khon -- 00:06:11.700 --> 00:06:13.500 is the most developed one. 00:06:13.600 --> 00:06:15.000 It's called Khon Chak. 00:06:15.115 --> 00:06:18.200 Khon Chak emerged during the reign of King Rama V. 00:06:18.200 --> 00:06:20.500 There was first the opera-oriented dance drama -- 00:06:20.500 --> 00:06:22.320 which is plays with proper stage and scripts... 00:06:22.320 --> 00:06:23.400 this and that... 00:06:23.400 --> 00:06:24.540 and there was also chants and dance. 00:06:24.700 --> 00:06:28.400 This kind of play inspired the adaptation of Khon. 00:06:28.400 --> 00:06:30.600 This is how Khon Chak emerged. 00:06:30.600 --> 00:06:34.600 But Khon Chak is slightly different from regular Khon. 00:06:34.600 --> 00:06:38.200 I mean, it requires separating the performance into independent plays. 00:06:38.200 --> 00:06:39.600 There couldn't be reversions 00:06:39.600 --> 00:06:41.600 , unlike Ramakien epic tales 00:06:41.600 --> 00:06:46.000 which were written specifically for traditional Khon performance. 00:06:46.000 --> 00:06:48.300 This one is more like a modern play. 00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:50.800 That's why they need to divide the stories into parts, 00:06:50.800 --> 00:06:53.100 each written particularly for Khon Chak. 00:06:53.200 --> 00:06:54.300 And the last type -- 00:06:54.300 --> 00:06:56.400 which is in fact considered the oldest form -- 00:06:56.500 --> 00:06:59.300 is the one we're getting to see today! 00:06:59.300 --> 00:07:01.200 Khong Klang Plaeng it is. 00:07:01.200 --> 00:07:05.900 Khon Klang Plaeng is performed outdoor, in an open-air space. 00:07:05.900 --> 00:07:08.000 No backdrop, nothing. 00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:09.980 Just the natural surrounding. 00:07:10.300 --> 00:07:13.500 Battle scenes are often depicted in Khon Klang Plaeng performance. 00:07:13.500 --> 00:07:17.200 Or it could be any scene which two camps are fighting. 00:07:17.200 --> 00:07:20.000 It's very convenient since they are performing in open space. 00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:22.800 So, I believe we know now what Khon Klang Plaeng is. 00:07:22.800 --> 00:07:24.800 Let's go see the performance. 00:07:26.875 --> 00:07:28.600 It's just started. 00:07:28.600 --> 00:07:33.600 I need to tell you guys that Khon performance always begins with a prelude. 00:07:33.600 --> 00:07:37.400 Let's watch this from the prelude to the main piece 00:07:37.400 --> 00:07:39.400 and the last set. 00:07:40.555 --> 00:07:41.555 00:07:42.265 --> 00:07:43.415 00:07:43.885 --> 00:07:45.235 00:07:46.315 --> 00:07:47.900 For today, 00:07:47.900 --> 00:07:49.800 the performance is divided into 3 parts. 00:07:49.800 --> 00:07:53.000 The first is the prelude, 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:57.400 which is Dhep Singhawatarn. 00:07:57.400 --> 00:08:01.855 It is newly and specifically composed for this show. 00:08:01.855 --> 00:08:06.000 And the second is the main piece -- 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:07.845 Intarachit War. 00:08:07.845 --> 00:08:11.600 The scene is about the fight between Intarachit and Phra Lak. 00:08:11.800 --> 00:08:14.500 Of course, Intarachit had no chance winning Phra Lak 00:08:14.500 --> 00:08:16.740 because he was very good at fighting. 00:08:16.740 --> 00:08:18.300 When Intarachit found himself losing, 00:08:18.300 --> 00:08:21.300 he took out his most nefarious weapon -- 00:08:21.300 --> 00:08:23.945 the Nagapasha arrow. 00:08:23.945 --> 00:08:28.400 Nagapasha arrow would let out countless Nagas when shooted. 00:08:28.400 --> 00:08:30.700 You guys can see from this 00:08:30.975 --> 00:08:33.800 that Phra Lak loses his consciousness when hit with the arrow. 00:08:34.215 --> 00:08:36.300 But Phra Ram saved him at last 00:08:36.600 --> 00:08:40.300 by shooting an arrow calling the Garuda to help. 00:08:40.300 --> 00:08:41.900 The Garuda chased the Nagas away. 00:08:41.900 --> 00:08:45.500 Garuda is actually an all-time enemy of Naga. 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:47.040 because it eats Naga as food. 00:08:47.040 --> 00:08:49.000 I've told you guys this before. 00:08:49.400 --> 00:08:50.900 And for the last set, 00:08:50.900 --> 00:08:57.000 they performed a dance piece for blessing King Rama X. 00:08:57.060 --> 00:09:00.480 We can see that Khon performance is a high art form of performance. 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:02.000 In each performance, 00:09:02.200 --> 00:09:09.900 we get to see the union of art forms and great artists just for one show. 00:09:10.000 --> 00:09:12.100 Beginning with costume designs 00:09:12.100 --> 00:09:14.800 which also requires complicated embroidery. 00:09:14.800 --> 00:09:16.945 The orchestras also need to be Pi Phat orchestra. 00:09:16.945 --> 00:09:20.400 And the song or music needs to reflect the story, too. 00:09:20.400 --> 00:09:22.000 The performers themselves, -- 00:09:22.000 --> 00:09:32.100 although they don't speak, their movements communicate particular meanings or emotions. 00:09:32.135 --> 00:09:34.755 For example, certain movements suggest that they're angry, 00:09:34.800 --> 00:09:36.600 some suggest that they're shy. 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:37.900 If one has some knowledge of Khon, 00:09:37.900 --> 00:09:43.000 it's not that hard to understand what the characters are saying through their movements 00:09:43.000 --> 00:09:45.000 even without the narration. 00:09:45.225 --> 00:09:47.300 For literary aspects, 00:09:47.300 --> 00:09:53.400 the beauty of literature is reflected in Khon narration and dialogues 00:09:53.400 --> 00:09:55.700 which plays with words aesthetically. 00:09:55.700 --> 00:09:58.300 Most importantly, the performance we just saw today 00:09:58.300 --> 00:10:01.800 owes its perfection to the artists from Wang-Na 00:10:01.800 --> 00:10:07.800 who study the art of Khon, theatre, musical performance and Thai vocal music 00:10:07.800 --> 00:10:09.800 at the College of Dramatic Arts 00:10:09.800 --> 00:10:12.600 which is located in the area of the Front Palace (Wang-Na). 00:10:12.600 --> 00:10:17.900 Wang-Na used to be the residence of the Uparaja of Siam in each period. 00:10:17.900 --> 00:10:23.200 Pinklao, the brother of King Rama IV, used to live in the palace of which the area has become the location of the College of Dramatic Arts. 00:10:23.200 --> 00:10:28.700 Apart from this, the performers also include staffs or former staffs of the college, 00:10:28.755 --> 00:10:30.225 Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, 00:10:30.225 --> 00:10:34.405 or the Office of Performing Arts. 00:10:34.500 --> 00:10:38.400 They are truly expertise and it's such an honor to witness their talent through this show. 00:10:38.400 --> 00:10:39.800 A high art form, indeed. 00:10:40.300 --> 00:10:42.500 So, we've finished seeing Khon performance. 00:10:42.500 --> 00:10:44.200 How was it? Did you guys have fun? 00:10:44.200 --> 00:10:46.400 This might be a relatively new perspective on Khon performance 00:10:46.400 --> 00:10:51.400 because Khon Klang Plaeng is different from common Khon performance we've seen. 00:10:51.400 --> 00:10:53.700 If anyone has comments, 00:10:53.700 --> 00:10:55.200 or if I said anything incorrect, 00:10:55.200 --> 00:10:57.300 also, if you guys spot any special characteristics of any Khon character, 00:10:57.300 --> 00:10:59.300 please feel free to comment down below. 00:10:59.580 --> 00:11:01.700 And for those I met at the festival, 00:11:01.800 --> 00:11:04.000 don't forget to tag me in our photos. 00:11:04.100 --> 00:11:07.300 If you like this video, please give it a thumbs up 00:11:07.360 --> 00:11:09.140 and don't forget to click share, so your friends can see this too. 00:11:09.380 --> 00:11:10.700 Well then, see you next time! 00:11:10.700 --> 00:11:12.760 Bye-bye, Sa-wad-dee-ka. 00:11:20.480 --> 00:11:21.480 00:11:23.395 --> 00:11:24.395