Bangkok's culture scene isn't exactly throbbing. You
won't find as many venues staging shows as your might expect from such a
metropolis. Off-Broadway is unknown (except for the annual Fringe Festival)
and you'll be hard-pressed to find traces of a Broadway scene. International
mainstream pop and rock acts are what fascinate the masses. Nevertheless,
theatre fans will find diamonds in the desert. Everybody however, will
appreciate the low ticket prices.
National Theatre
2 Rachini Rd. Sanam Luang / Tel 02 2241342 Along with the National Museum, the imposing theatre forms an
island of high culture. Classical Thai drama, musicals and music
performances - all elaborate affairs, sometimes strange to foreign eyes and
ears - are staged in the main auditorium,, a small theatre and the open-air
sala. The season runs from November to May, but you can catch classical Thai
dance and music on the last Friday and Saturday nights of each month. It
might be a bit study of beginners, but it's always fascinating.
Thailand Cultural Center
Ratchadaphisek Rd. Huay Kwang /
Tel 02 2470028 ext.
4103, 4104 www.thaiculturalcenter.com The premier venue for everything cultural, opened in 1987 to
celebrate HM the King's 60th birthday. Two halls pack up to 3,000 visitors.
The Centre is home to Bangkok's International Music & Dance Festival, but
there's always something interesting going on here. Unfortunately, their
website is in Thai only and out-of-date.
Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre
66 Charoen Krung Rd. Phra Nakhon /
Tel 02 2221854 This busy road's landmark was originally built as a cinema and
renovated in the 90s, transforming it into a well-equipped place. The
wide variety of performances - Khon masked dances, period dramas,
movies-is often enhanced by special effects like lasers and multi-vision
systems, so the shows here are often the most dramatic in Bangkok.
Patravadi Theatre
69/1 Soi Wat Rakhang, Arun Amarin, Thonburi /
Tel 02 4127287 - 8
www.patravaditheatre.com The beautiful outdoor theatre on the other side of the Chao
Phaya River opposite the Grand Palace, is known for its innovative
adaptations of classical Thai and Asian stories, legends and plays. The
name Patravadi is synonymous with the performing arts so expect the
highest standards in costume and staging . Show run on weekends and are
often booked out so reserve early. The Theatre is home to the annual
Bangkok Fringe Festival.
Joe Louis Puppet Theatre
Suan Lum Night Bazaar / Tel 02 2529683 - 4 /
daily 7:30 pm www.joelouis-theater.com A live puppet show might not sound like much, but the one is
intriguing. The one-hour show follows the ancient Ramayana, the classic
Hindu epic and Asian legends. The large puppets are incredibly
life-like; the scenes are colourful and fun to watch - so even adults
enjoy the show. Arrive early to observe the production of traditional
masks and to take a pictures with the huge puppets. After the show start
shopping at the Night Bazaar.
Siam Niramit Theatre
Tiam Ruammit Rd. / Tel 02 6499222 www.siamniramit.com Breathtaking, record-breaking extravaganza, hailed as a
"showcase of Thailand". Over 150 performers journey whirlwind-like
through seven centuries of Siamese history, religious festivals,
cultural heritage, hundreds of costumes and amazing special effect. Up
to 2,000 guests nightly experience this spectacle, which some will think
of as eye -popping poignancy, other as detached fantasia.
