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Performing Arts Domain
Intellectual Cultural Heritage
39
Hun Krabok
A type of performing art in Thailand, traditional
puppet theatre is divided into 4 sub-types: Hun Luang,
Hun Wang Na, Hun Krabok, and Hun Lakhon Lek.
Hun Kr abok
( bamboo puppet thea t r e )
originated in the reign of King Rama V by adapting
the Chinese puppet theatre from Hainan. San Somdet,
penned by HRH Prince Damrong Rajanubhab and
HRH Prince Naritsara Nuwattiwong, indicates that
bamboo puppet theatre originated in the northern
provinces of Sukhothai, Uttaradit, and Nakhon Sawan.
The book says that Mr Neng of Sukhothai province
saw the Hainan bamboo puppet theatre and was
i nsp i red to c reate a Tha i bamboo puppet
theatre, which became popular in the northern
region. When Prince Damrong visited Sukhothai
province in his capacity as an inspector general,
Phraya Sukhothai (the provincial governor) arranged
for Mr Neng to perform the puppet theatre for
the prince. After the prince returned to Bangkok,
Mom Ratchawong (royal title) Tho Phayakkhasena,
who had seen the puppet show, asked him for a
loan so as to set up and stage the first bamboo
puppet theatre in Bangkok. The show became
popular. At first it was called Hun Lian Yang Mueang
Nuea (puppet theatre that imitates the puppet
theatre from the North) or Hun Khun Tho (Mr Tho’s
puppet theatre). Later it was called Hun Krabok
(bamboo puppet) since the puppets use bamboo as
the trunk of their body.
Bamboo puppets are half-bodied puppets with
the following main parts:
• Head -
The head is made to represent the
different roles - the hero, the heroine, the demon,
the monkey, the clown, and the animals.
• Hands -
The right hand of the hero, the demon
and the clown is clenched in a fist - for holding
a weapon, while their left hand is modeled in a Tang
Wong Ram hand gesture. The heroine has both hands
in the Tang Wong Ram gesture. Each of both hands is
at tached to a s t i ck , cal led Ma i Tak i ap, for
manipulating the hand gesture.
•
Body or Trunk
- The trunk of the puppet is
made from bamboo or other materials.
•
Shoulders
- The shoulders are made from wood
or other materials.
•
Costume
- The costume is a sack covering
from the shoulders to half-body length and is
intricately embroidered. The hero has epaulets and
an embroidered collar; the heroine has an embroidered
cloak and collar; and the clown and other characters
are usually covered in any colourful cloth.
Bamboo puppet presentation imitates the
Lakhon Ram (dance drama) by adapting the human
dance movements to suit the puppets. The basic
dance movements for the puppet show are: Klom Na,
Krathop Changwa, Thaeng Mue, Ti Bot and Ram Phleng.
The puppeteers must practice these movements until
they are highly skilled. They must also deliver the
dialogue. The clowns help progress the story and make
it lively and fun to watch.
The music accompaniment is usually provided
by the Pi Phat Khrueang Ha. The lead instrument
is So U, which is played as an accompaniment to
the singing. This style is called Phleng Hun Khlao
So or Phleng Hun Krabok and was adapted from
the Phleng Kho Than of Ta Sangkhara. The stories
most preferred for staging a bamboo puppet
theatre are those from the Lakhon Nok such as