Nang Yai shadow puppet drama is a customary dramatic art form of Thailand that excels in combining different artistic crafts into one. A lot of attentiveness goes into designing illustrate and detailed compose of characters which is done by a scholar artist. Once the compose is made, it is applied onto a piece of leather and etched very carefully. After that, the etched leather piece is mounted onto sticks and life is given to each character by a scholar puppeteer in the form of a classical drama operation which is replete with live Thai music and singer to provide the narrative.
[b]Thai Puppets Show[/b]
Evidence shows that Nang Yai shadow puppet drama was already in existence during the Sukhothai era. But it is almost sure that this art form was a leading source of entertainment during the Ayutthaya era and it remain that way until early Rattanakosin era during the reign of Rama V (King Chalalongkorn).
The Nang Yai shadow puppet drama was first established at Wat Khanon in Ratchaburi during the reign of Rama V. Today, in Thailand, Wat Khanon is the only leading location for this art form. Even today, a lot of endeavor goes into establishment the puppets and the performers still verbalize their high standards of performance. The drama group from Wat Khanon performs all over Thailand and they are greeted with a lot of enthusiasm by the audience.
Wat Khanon also has a Nang Yai Exhibition Hall where the puppets are on display and one can see the intricate work that has gone into the puppets. You will de facto appreciate these exquisite works of art once you see them in person.
Nang Yai Shadow Puppet Drama