80 | Culture Ways of Life and Wisdom
Mo Lam for entertainment can be classified by a chronological order, storytelling method and style of
performances as follows: Mo Lam Phuen, Mo Lam, Mo Lam Klon, Mo Lam Mu, Mo Lam Ploen, Mo Lam Sing.
• • Mo Lam Phuen
Mo Lam Phuen is the oldest kind of Mo Lam for entertainment, sometimes called “Lam Rueng” as
the Mo Lam tells stories from allegories, such as Thao Karaket, Thao Si Thon, Nang Tang On, Nang Sipsong
and Thao Mayui. Khaen is used for creating two-tone background melodies: one is slow and melancholy,
and another is fast and rush, to keep tracks with the narrative.
• • Mo Lam Klon
Mo Lam Klon, usually performs as a duo, is a storyteller of responsive verses, poems or parodies.
The performance is sometimes filled with a courteous melodrama between men and women.
• • Mo Lam Mu
Mo Lam Mu is a performance by a group of artists. Its costume is influenced by that of Li-kae,
while the story telling part is modelled from Mo Lam Phuen and Mo Lam Klon. The group consists of 15-
30 people playing roles according to the Isan tales or allegories, such as a king, queen, prince, princess,
servant, parents, son, daughter, hermit, angel and ghost. Its outstanding performance is the dance and fun
elements. Mo Khaen will perform “Lam Toei”, which includes Toei Kong, Toei Burma, Toei Thammada and
Toei Hua Nontan.