Page 14 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (104)

13 CITY LIFE | 城事

Thailand: Flawless performance showcasing dedication and effort

泰国：一招一式见功夫

Rama and the Demon King engage in a begin rigorous training at a young age. The convey the unique characteristics of each we’ve also made many friends along our
fierce battle with bows and arrows, while three lead actors participating in the Culture role, the actors strive to execute every learning journey.”
the Monkey King leaps and flips gracefully, and Art Festival of Countries in the Lan- movement flawlessly, sustaining their Phuwapong notes that traditional arts
landing lightly. The Khon Drama, The Story cang-Mekong River Basin each have nearly energy from the opening to the closing of like Khon once had high barriers to entry
of Ramakien, performed by Thai actors, 15 to 20 years of experience, having been the performance. and limited distribution channels, which
received enthusiastic applause from interna- involved in Khon since they were six years “I’ve been learning Khon for nearly made it challenging for young people to
tional audiences even during its rehearsal. old. They share that, as children, they were 20 years, and the more I study it, the learn about them. However, with the rise
Khon is regarded as a national treasure captivated by the spectacular performances more I enjoy it,” says actor Phuwapong of the internet, Khon has begun to gain
of Thai performing arts and has been includ- they watched with their families, even if Phinoyalapkasane (transliteration). With popularity on social media through short
ed in UNESCO’s Representative List of the they did not fully understand the meanings a history spanning hundreds of years, videos, attracting a new audience of young
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. of the stories, which inspired them to pursue Khon presents the challenge of grasping enthusiasts. To help preserve traditional arts
A defining feature of Khon is its ability to their craft. the cultural concepts behind the roles and and culture, some elementary schools in
convey meaning through dance, enhanced “The Monkey King is lively and pos- stories, integrating this understanding into Thailand have started offering Khon cours-
by the elaborate masks worn by the actors, sesses many dynamic movements, which the performance. “The most exhilarating es. Currently, Phuwapong teaches at an art
which are distinctive to this art form. is what attracts me the most,” says actor moment for us is hearing the applause school, with the hope of nurturing more
Professional Khon performers typically Tapisi Parkpiang (transliteration). To from the audience at the end of a show; talented Khon performers in the future.

Cambodia: Flowers blossoming at the dancers’ fingertips

柬埔寨：指尖生花韵味长

Planting, sprouting, growing, blooming, maternal grandmother saw dancers on TV plained that each gesture conveys a different Festival of Countries in the Lancang-Me-
leafing out, bearing fruit, withering, and performing beautifully and decided to send meaning and demands a high level of flexi- kong River Basin for the first time, and
being reborn—these stages are beautifully me for professional training,” she recalled. bility, fluidity, and grace from the performers. this year marks her second participation.
reflected in the performances of the dancers The celestial dance has a rich history and It is only through long-term practice that one As her dance skills have matured over the
chosen by Cambodia’s Ministry of Cul- is highly emblematic of Cambodia’s tradi- can capture the delicate charm at their finger- years, she has performed multiple times
ture and Fine Arts, who present a celestial tional dance, with the performers on stage tips. Teng Pisey raised her left palm with all in China, as well as in Southeast Asia and
dance for the audience. Their movements radiating like fairies. the fingers bending back, gently assisted by Europe. Such experiences have allowed her
are graceful and captivating, with elongated However, the journey of learning dance her right hand, allowing the fingertips of her to witness diverse cultures, and every time
fingers symbolizing the life journey of a has not been without its challenges. The ex- left hand to touch her wrist effortlessly. “What she takes the stage, she hopes to convey
seed that thrives endlessly, representing the haustion and hardships of training have led once seemed difficult to me now feels easy,” the deep historical and cultural essence of
Cambodian people's deep love for life and Teng Pisey to contemplate giving up several she smiled, noting that time and practice have Cambodia through her dance. “This time,
appreciation for nature. times. “But my family has always reminded deepened her appreciation for the beauty of the dancers performing in China are very
Twenty-four-year-old dancer Teng Pisey me that to achieve something, you must put celestial dance. young, and we hope to showcase the young
(transliteration) began her dance journey in hard work,” she said. Using hand gestures In 2019, Teng Pisey came to Xishuang- dancers' understanding of Cambodian cul-
at the age of nine. “When I was little, my from celestial dance as an example, she ex- banna to participate in the Culture and Art ture,” she said.