Thailand’s Literary Gem “Phra Lor” matched with prominent performing arts masters

Patravadi Theatre, in collaboration with Dhamma Foundation, Office of the Basic Education Commission and Office of the Contemporary Arts and Culture, will produce a charitable production of “Phra Lor”, raising funds for Dhamma Foundation for the development of young Thai artists. Joining them is world-famous fiddler Kyle Dillingham from the United States, who has performed in over 25 countries and frequently referred to as Oklahoma’s Musical Ambassador, charming the audience with his bewitching rendering of the violin in eastern tunes.

“Phra Lor” is a literary gem written more than 500 years, and has shocked people with its elegant writing of a love relationship between one prince and two princesses from the North. It tells a compelling story of magic, war, revenge and passion and exemplifies all aspects of arts. Music, songs and dance have been dedicated for this rare literary gem since its creation. In 1916, The Association of Thai Literature officially listed it as “The Best Literature in Thailand”.

The 2009 production of “Phra Lor” proposes to adapt the beauty of refined literary language to the contemporary world. The play will present the original story in parallel with its contemporary version, unfolding in colorful renditions of drama, music, dance, installation arts and multimedia technology.

Thailand’s legendary theatre figure Patravadi Mejudhon, the founder- artistic director of the internationally renowned Patravadi Theatre, will be the director of the production. Anant Narkkong, a renowned Thai composer and ethno-musicologist, will breathe new life into the well-loved traditional tunes by weaving the beauty of the Asian sounds with western classical music, performed by a band of Thai classical musicians. Manop Meejamrat, winner of “Silapathorn” National Award for Contemporary Performing Artists will be the choreographer. The cast of “Phra Lor” boasts a team of heavyweights, including Sarawut Martthong, singer Lanna Commins and Patravadi Mejudhon herself, together with the country’s most talented musicians and performers.

“Phra Lor” will raise its curtain on 19 June 2009 at Patravadi Theatre. Performances will run daily at 8pm (except Monday) until 28 June 2009. Additional matinees at 2 .30 pm will be available on Thursday to Sunday (except 19 June). Tickets of 1200B, 900B and 600B (50% discount for full-time students and senior citizens of age over 60) are available at all Total Reservation outlets at Siam Paragon, Emporium, and BTS: Mo Chit, Victory Monument, and The Mall: Bangkhae, Bangkapi, Thapra, Ramkamhaeng, and Ngamwongwan. To book the ticket online, please visit www.totalreservation.com. Booking hotline is 02 833 5555.