Training for the Theatre One of the more interesting places in Bangkok to visit, although it isn't easy to get a pass to, is the Academy of Dramatic Arts (Natasin) located in a former palace on the grounds of which stands the National Theatre. It is an ordinary academic high school, but included is the curriculum for demons, monkeys, and the other characters of the khon; and for singers, musicians, and dancers for the other types of Thai high theatre, there is lakhon nai, lakhon nok, likay, and other performing arts. Lakhon is a word for 'play' and can include lakhon nai-the inside-the-palace, all-female plays, (nai here means 'inside'); lakhon nok outside the walls plays, often done by all-male casts, (nok here means 'outside'); and a type of play (likay) that today is much relegated to companies that are hired to play at funerats, fairs, and in market areas. Of course, today there is also lakhon tee-wee, or television plays.' There is a distinction between lakhon phut spoken plays and lakhon phleng musical plays,' which might include opera)