Creation of Khuen Loy in Khon

Abstract

‘Khuen Loy’ is a show of an ability of the performer to climb and stand on one’s opponent to lift oneself high above the ground.  The work was based on the documentary study, research works, interviews, experience and performance.

            The research found that ‘Khuen Loy’ in the khon performance is an important part in which the performers have to show their talent in Thai dramatic acting art. To successfully act, they had to possess knowledge, skills and great balance in body postures. The researcher had designed new elements in this performing art.  Ideas used were acquired from paintings, sculpture, dramatic dance, literature and sports, a study of the epic Ramayana and the current performance of Khon. The samples were 16 students who were talented in Thai dramatic art. Two students acted as male protagonists, 9 as giants or demons, 4 as monkeys and 1 as a female protagonist. Experts from relevant disciplines evaluated their performance. The performance was improved and rectified according to their  commentary and as a consequence a flexible design was derived. 

Khuen loy in the Khon performance is a key identity. To experiment or develop creatively,  time was very essential for it to be recognized.  It is thus important to integrate knowledge in the Thai dramatic art with other disciplines as that will prove useful to the art, the public and other academic aspects.