Sharing Thai culture
NEW THEATRE AND ART GALLERY TO TARGET FOREIGN TOURISTS
A new theatre, to be officially opened in March, aims at quenching the thirst for knowledge about Thai culture and heritage.
The interior of Wangna Theatre, where an adaptation of khon mask dance will be presented to foreign audiences.
The theatre is located in the compound of the Bundit Patanasilp Institute, Bangkok's oldest music and performing arts school. Next door to the National Theatre, the new establishment, Wangna Theatre, will be operated by the Bundit Patanasilp Institute, under the Ministry of Culture.
Kamol Suwuttho, rector of the Bundit Patanasilp Institute, said the Wangna Theatre project was formed three years ago and received a 30-million-baht budget from state coffers.
The institute tore down its old meeting hall to pave the way for the 250-seat theatre and an art gallery. The new establishment is named Wangna, or the front palace in honour of the owners of the royal adobe, who were heir to the throne in the early Rattanakosin period.
The wangna position was abolished during the reign of King Chulalongkorn, who instituted the position of crown prince in the succession line.
The theatre sits on the southern side of the front palace's elegant main chapel, or Ubosot Wangna.
Kamol said the Wangna Theatre will mainly target foreign audiences. Ticket prices will be in the range of 1,000 to 600 baht, which is high compared to the National Theatre, which charges about 100 to 60 baht for regular programmes.
He said the theatre may provide a show for a Thai-only audience, with ticket prices ranging from 300 to 100 baht. The daily show will begin at 7pm, rehearsals for which are to begin later this month.
The facade of the 250-seat Wangna Theatre in the compound of Bundit Patanasilp Institute.
National Artist Suphachai Chansuwan will be production director, and the programme will offer an adaptation of a traditional khon performance, accommodating other traditional and folk dances, as well as a ballet performance.
"The audience will get an overview of our culture, from past to present. This is must-see programme for foreign visitors coming to Bangkok," he said, adding that the show will be grand with more than 200 performers, including musicians.
"Moreover, it is to help nourish students' experience as the theatre will provide a space for students to showcase their performing skills," he added.
According to the rector, the institute has asked tour agencies to help introduce the theatre to foreigners.
"The theatre is equipped with an online booking programme for reservations," he said. However, reservations for the National Theatre are still made in the conventional way, through telephone or in person.
Also opening simultaneously with the new theatre will be the Wangna Art Centre.
The debut exhibition will be the works by former prime minister Chuan Leekpai, who is known for his love of drawing.
Chuan is an alumni of Silpa Suksa School before it was developed into the Bundit Patanasilp Institute. During his school days, Chuan also enrolled at the Law Faculty of Thammasat University, which is adjacent to the school. At that time, Thammasat was an open university.
"This will be his first solo exhibition," said Kamol with enthusiasm.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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