Master of Khon Thai (2024)

the highest form of Khon

Note: Ratings for this were difficult. I considered trying to rate it as a documentary, perhaps with an eye to MDL users who might watch a Thai PBS documentary on classical Thai dance. But respect for the tradition and practitioners is so strong a theme throughout, it feels most appropriate to give 10 for 'Cast' in acknowledgement of their proficiency and expertise, which then means 10s for Story and Music in respect for the tradition. Rewatch value? I’m sure I’ll get more from a second viewing.

Thai PBS calls this documentary a ‘deep dive’. I’m not sure about that, perhaps ‘esoteric’ would be a better term (even, if I understand it accurately, within Thailand). There is a lot of information to take in - the beginning is especially dense with names and references to classical Hindu texts and beliefs and their Thai counterparts. Fortunately it slows down as it progresses and the names of Thai dance masters become familiar. Text accompanying the dance performance at the end helpfully summarise key points.

The English title is also somewhat misleading. I knew about Khon dance from Thai PBS’s one hour mini drama, "Dream a Little Dream", where a very determined young boy begins learning Khon dance, so I was hoping for more insight into that. "Dream" is an excellent and gentle introduction, by the way, with a sweet family story. Well worth an hour.

The Thai title of this documentary translates as “Documentary of the Pirap” - a very rare and specialised part of the dance tradition, considered to be the superlative form. Requirements for being allowed to inherit and perform the tradition are strict and complicated, only for those already ordained as monks and skilled in the arts - those with the knowledge are in their 70s and 80s and it’s in danger of being lost. So now my information is Beginners, Supreme Grand Master, and only a smattering in between. The quest continues to fill that in =D

The importance of religious beliefs in arts was what I found the most interesting here. “Arts in the world exist to praise or worship gods.” “Phra Pirap Nah Paht Dance is to invite the highest deity to help eliminate evil.” Phra Pirap is a fierce aspect of Shiva, capable of great protection.

Along the way, they also touch on the music, women dancers, and the making of masks. The masks are also religiously significant.

The last 13 minutes are a performance of the dance.

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