World-renowned puppeteer Sakorn Yangkhieosod, also known as ‘Joe Louis’, handed down a lifetime of knowledge and skills to a troupe called Aksra Hoon Lakorn Lek (Aksra Small Puppets) before he sadly passed away at the age of 85 in May 2007.
Thanks to the support of King Power Entertainment, Aksra Hoon Lakorn Lek will soon be making its debut performance at King Power Complex (on July 1).
An early start
Born and raised within a legendary troupe founded by legendary khon (Thai mask dance) performer Krae Saptawanit, Sakorn soon picked up his master’s tricks. Krae was widely credited with creating Thai theatrical puppetry in 1901.
With the emergence of newer forms of entertainment and the outbreak of World War II, the art of puppetry slowly began to fade away. However, after the war, Sakorn spent the last 60 years of his life trying to revive the genre. He made excellent progress in trying to achieve his lofty aims, generating a good deal of interest not only locally, but internationally. In recognition of his efforts, Sakorn was bestowed with the title National Artist in 1996.
Getting the puppets to perform traditional Thai performance arts, such as khon, lakorn, and likay (classical forms of Thai drama), is no mean feat. Three puppeteers are required – one controlling the head and left hand, the other the puppet’s legs, and the third the puppet’s right hand.
Although the puppeteers can hardly be seen by the audience due to their black outfits, they must still make the appropriate movements so the puppet appears realistic and moves in sync. In effect, the puppeteers must ‘become one’ and ensure the puppet likewise makes its movements smoothly and seamlessly.
A taste of history
Thai literary epics, such as the Ramayana or the story of Phra Apaimanee provide the subject matter of puppetry performances. The puppets are carefully dressed to accurately represent important characters, representing what is known as theatrical puppetry.
Surapol Utintu, managing director of King Power Entertainment, points out that while getting across the story is important, Aksra Hoon Lakorn Lek places slightly more stress on ensuring that performances really show off the best artistic elements of a puppet performance, highlighting its impressive techniques.
Vichai Raksriaksorn, CEO of King Power Duty Free, who says he learned a good deal from Sakorn when the puppeteer was an honorary consultant to the firm (2005-2007), says the theater will perfectly compliment Aksra’s performances. The company spent 700 million baht (over US$21 million) to upgrade the 600-seater theater, which is located on the third and fourth floors of the King Power Complex on Soi Rang Nam.
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At the theater’s entrance, you’ll see two giant ‘guardians’ – the green
one is known as Phraya Yak Phai Jit Soon (the guardian of music and
performance), while the blue one is called Phraya Yak Sattru (the
guardian of acting).
The theater’s Hall of Fame is quintessentially Thai, featuring
gold-colored walls and an impressive hand-woven carpet. Both feature
Thai-style patterns, while well-known Thai characters have been
carefully crafted into plasterwork along the walls.
In the center of the hall are three puppets, representing important
characters from the Ramayana. Ravana (a demon), Hanuman (a human-like
being with monkey features), and Sita (the beloved wife of Rama) sit
atop thrones covered with gold leaf. The figures were kindly donated by
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Angels carved upon the theater’s doors give it an almost temple-like
feel. The idea is that the angels will take care and stand guard over
the theater.
The theater’s interior has been designed with the concept of ‘heaven’
in mind. Seven circular structures adorn the ceiling, symbolizing seven
paradises. All decorative features were developed under the supervision
of the department of fine art.
The theater’s stage is 18 meters wide and 17-m deep with an orchestra
pit and two stage pits. The single-tier auditorium takes the shape of a
horseshoe, surrounded by VIP boxes. The stage area is able to cope with
10 different sets, as well as visual effects. All in all, the theater
should offer the ideal location in which to enjoy this unique form of
Thai performance art.
Transport connections:
Train: Located on Soi Rang Nam, the easiest way of reaching King
Power Complex is to take the BTS skytrain to Victory Monument. Take
Exit 2 and then head for Soi Rang Nam, which is about five minutes’
walk away. You’ll see the complex on your right-hand side.
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