The Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre now proudly presents a new episode of Khon-Masked Dance entitled “Hanuman Chankamhaeng”, an excerpt from Ramakien story. This performance is also to celebrate the Auspicious Occasion of the 60 th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne. “Hanuman” is a white monkey warrior, whose duty is to assist the righteous King “Rama” to fight with the demon King “Totsakan”. The “Hanuman Chankamhaeng” performance depicts the life of Hanuman since he was born and became valiant soldier who helped King Rama win against Totsakan, and Hanuman was later promoted. This spectacular episode has 60 performers, with elaborate dress specially designed for this specific dance. It involves highly traditional singing, dancing, acting, acrobatics and music.

>> Sala Chalermkrung - a legend
A royal gift to his people from H.M. King Rama VII

As part of Bangkok ’s 150 th anniversary celebrations, H.M. King Rama VII ordered a new bridge – the Phra Phutayodfah Bridge – that links Bangkok and Thon Buri. A statue of King Rama I was also built at the foot of this bridge, on the Bangkok side.

Also, H.M. King Rama VII donated more than 9 million baht from his own funds to build the country’s first cinema, since he wanted his subjects to enjoy the most popular motion pictures and other performances at this venue. With its elegant design, Sala Chalermkrung added to Thailand ’s prestige.

The construction of this venue started on 1 July 1930 . Mom Chao Samaichalerm Kridakara, a French-graduated architect, was entrusted by H.M. King Rama VII to supervise the construction. H.M. King Rama VII – who graciously laid the foundation stone for the building – named it “Sala Chalermkrung” to honor its architect and to celebrate Bangkok ’s 150 th anniversary.

Since its opening on 2 July 1933 , this venue has provided entertainment to people up to now. In its early years, it was the most modern structure in Asia and was Thailand ’s first air-conditioned theatre. People in the cinema industry are gathered here. It was also an institute that produced trained actors and actresses for the cinema and the theatre.

Throughout its history, Sala Chalermkrung has formed deep bonds in many contexts and many lives. It is no exaggeration to say that this venue has become a legend. Hence, it is worthy of conservation as a royal theatre as intended by H.M. King Rama VII.

>> Origin of Khon and Ramakien
Khon and Ramakien

Khon is a classical art which combines three kinds of traditional activities which are Chak Nak Duek Damban, Krabi Krabong and Nang Yai. Also, Khon is partly derived from Lakon Nai.

In the past, all Khon performers wore masks and thus needed narrators to project voices for their characters. Today, the narrators still retain their roles in Khon despite an adaptation that human and angel characters no longer wear masks. Only monkey or demon characters still wear masks on stage.

The most popular script is the Ramakien, which is based on India ’s Ramayana epic. Written by Valmiki, the epic narrates an episode of Phra Narai (Narayana) who is reborn to a human so as to save both humans and angels from the terror of Tosakanth (Ravana) – the demon king– in Longka (Lanka) City.

The most complete version of Ramakien was written by H.M. King Rama I (1782 - 1809). But the Ramakien which is most widely used in actual productions on account of its melodies verses was composed by King Rama II (1809 – 1824).

Khon was regarded as a royal court performance, continuing from the Ayudhaya Period into the Rattanakosin Period. During the reign of H.M. King Rama VI, Khon reached its golden age. His Majesty supported both Khon trainees and artists, and also had Khon performances staged throughout his reign.

>> Hanuman the Mighty - Synopsis

At the order of Phra Isuan (Isavara), Phra Pai shoots Phra Isuan's divine power and weapons into Sawaha's mouth. Phra Isuan wishes her to give birth to a son who can help Phra Ram (Rama).

On Tuesday in the third month of the Year of Tiger, Sawaha gives birth to a white monkey – Hanuman, with four faces and eight arms. His hair is diamonds and his fangs are crystal. He magically yields stars, the moon and the sun from his mouth when he yawns. Sawaha orders her son to join in the army of Phra Ram – an incarnation of Phra Narai.

While flying in the sky, Hanuman spots a garden owned by Phra Uma (Phra Isuan's consort). There, he recklessly eats and throws fruits. His misbehavior enrages Phra Uma, who curses him, reducing his power by half. She says the curse will vanish only after he meets Phra Ram and he touches Hanuman's back thrice.

Once the chief warrior Hanuman volunteers to survey routes to Longka City . Phra Ram asks Hanuman to take a ring and breast cloth to Sida (Sita), Phra Ram's consort.

When Hanuman meets Sida, he finds that she is about to hang herself, so he rescues her. He asks her to sit on his palm so that he can carry her back to Phra Ram. However, Sida refuses in case scandalous words are spread. Thus, Hanuman is asked by Sida to tell Phra Ram to rescue her. Hanuman gives her his promise. Before leaving Longka City , he kills Sahaskuman, Tosakanth's 1,000 offsprings.

Hanuman volunteers to bring a box of Tosakanth's heart, which is kept by Kobut Richi, to Phra Ram, and asks the Richi to take him to Tosakanth. By Hanuman's spell, the Richi gives Hanuman the demon's heart. Hanuman pretends to submit himself to Thosakanth, so the demon king adopts him as his son. During the battle, Phra Ram shoots Prommas arrow to kill Tosakanth, and Hanuman destroys Tosakanth's heart and ends his life. Thus, Phra Ram wins the battle and appoints Hanuman “ Phaya Anuchit Chakkrit Pipatpongsa” then sends him off to rule Nopburi City .

>> Hanuman the Mighty Episode
(1 hr and 10 mins)

VTR: Introduction to the Khon performance on the Auspicious Occasion of H.M. King Bhumibol’s Accession to the Throne (7 mins.)

Act 1 The Birth of Hanuman the Mighty

Act 2 The Cursed and Weak Monkey

Act 3 Chief Warrior to Navigate

Act 4 Rescue Sida – Eliminate Sahaskuman

Act 5 Causeway-building Catches the Fish Queen

Act 6 Deceive to Get the Heart of Tosakanth

Act 7 Hanuman Defeats Tosakanth

Act 8 Chief Warrior to Rule a City

click here to view video file ================