Khon: The masked pantomime in Thailand

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Khon, the masked dance drama in Thailand, is a performing art that combines musical, vocal and dance.

With a history of over 400 years, it depicts the glory of Rama (the hero) and incarnation of the god Vishnu, who brings order and justice to the world.

The Khon actors do not speak their lines, there are background talents who do the narration and singing. The actors only enact their characters on stage by using expressive gestures and the whole range of Thai classical dance.

Usually, Khon involves over a hundred actors, narrators, singers, an orchestra and a chorus.

Khon, the masked pantomime in Thailand. /Photo from the Department of Cultural Promotion of Thailand via UNESCO.

Khon, the masked pantomime in Thailand. /VCG Photo

Khon, the masked pantomime in Thailand. /Photo from the Department of Cultural Promotion of Thailand via UNESCO.

Traditionally all the actors have to wear masks which cover the whole face. Today, however, masks are no longer a must for certain characters as make-up can be applied to show beauty, color and personality.

The costumes Khon actors wear are gorgeous and costly. It takes months and even half a year to finish one piece of the costumes which costs over 1,600 U.S. dollars.

To learn Khon, the performers have to study at the age of around six. They can't appear on the stage without more than ten years' of study and practice.

The Khon was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018.

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(Cover photo from VCG and redesigned by Fan Chenxiao)