BATTLE cries fill the air as hordes of simian infantry clash, raining blows on each other with such intensity that the sounds reverberate like deafening thunder claps during a raging storm. The melee continues for a good five minutes without any sign of either side gaining an upper hand. Then, without warning, the warring factions stop dead in their tracks after a shout rings out.
An eagle-eyed trainer from the sidelines had noticed several grave missteps and halted proceedings to make rectifications. With masks removed, it becomes obvious that the soldiers are actually youthful Khon performers re-enacting a fight scene from ʻBuilding a Causeway to Lankaʼ, a Ramakien tale adaptation from the famous ʻRamayanaʼ epic.
YOUTHFUL ENDEAVOUR
A classical Thai masked dance-drama, Khon has been performed since the 14th century Ayutthaya period, during which production was confined to royal courts by solely male actors accompanied by narrators and traditional piphat orchestras.
Much has changed since then, as today, grave-faced youths from both sides of the gender divide listen intently and hope that there would be no more hiccups during this final rehearsal as the next day invited guests headed by Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail and Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil will watch their performance here at the President Hall, Prince of Songkla University — Pattani Campus in Pattani, Thailand.
Leaving the performers to iron out the last remaining details of their acts, I strike a conversation with Datuk Anusart Suwanmongkol. A staunch supporter of the arts, the member of the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand has nothing but utter admiration for the Pattani Khon Youth Group (PKYG) that comprises students hailing from the southern border provinces of Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani.
Turning back the clock, the highly respected community leader traces PKYG's origin all the way back to 2009 when Ban Sabarang School teacher Somvut Kulabuddhasarn orchestrated a Khon performance involving elementary students. Held at Anusart's C.S. Pattani Hotel during a Rotary Club gathering, the commendable performance drew wide acclaim from all present.
SELFLESS BENEFACTOR STEPS IN
After realising that the budding performers lacked a proper place to further their interests, Anusart took on the responsibility of nurturing their talents through sponsorship and advocacy. Establishing PKYG, he made sure that the students honed skills through regular performances and organised visits to watch royal Khon performances in Bangkok. These exposures did wonders for the students by igniting their determination to achieve perfection.
A year later, the students' hard work paid off when they were presented with the rare honour of performing for the esteemed Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the Chalerm Phrakiat International Auditorium, Prince of Songkhta University — Hadyai Campus.
Since then, PKYG has grown from strength to strength. Its prominence flourished with many new members joining its fold annually to support an ever growing number of invitations to perform. These opportunities have not only helped showcase their budding talents but also bring their theatrical aptitudes to greater heights.
These monumental milestones did not go unnoticed as the Culture Ministry's Permanent Secretary's Office started providing support in the form of much needed funds through the Pattani Cultural Office since 2015. This move was in line with the expressed aspiration of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, to safeguard Khon as a vibrant and cherished cultural heritage, spanning all regions of Thailand.
DISADVANTAGED YOUTHS GET HELP
Despite hailing from diverse educational institutions and locations, PKYG members stand as a cohesive ensemble of young individuals whose common fervour is fuelled by an unrestrained passion for Khon. United under the guidance and mentorship of the dedicated Patthalung Dramatics College trainers, they gained invaluable acting and dance pointers.
The contributions of responsible members of the public like Anusart bode well for youths in the southern border region. Despite the late hour, rehearsal progresses with gusto as tomorrow these talented Khon performers will mesmerise members of the audience with their dramatic talents while acting as guardians of this ancient art form.
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