Lakhon
The most graceful Thai dance-drama is the lakhon. There are two main forms: lakhon nai (“inside” lakhon), once performed only within palace walls by women, and lakhon nawk (“outside” lakhon), performed beyond the palace by both sexes. Resplendent in costumes as elaborate as their movements, the performers glide slowly about the stage, their stylised movements conveying the plot. The dance’s rich repertoire includes scenes from the Ramakien, and Thai folk tales, with their romantic storylines. These days, a simpler version called lakhon chatri can be seen at temple festivals and shrines throughout Thailand. A variation of this dance is lakhon kae bon, which consists of a 20-member ensemble of dancers and musicians who perform at shrines as a form of thanksgiving. Performances can be seen at Lak Muang (City Pillar) shrine and the Erawan Shrine..