Source: CCTV.com

06-25-2008 10:16

One of Thailand's most famous puppet troupes, faces a struggle for survival. Developers want the troupe's theater vacated so it can be bulldozed to make way for a shopping mall. The troupe is fighting the eviction, and fighting to keep one of the country's most traditional art forms alive.

One of Thailand's most famous puppet troupes, faces a struggle for survival.(Photo: CCTV.com)

The Nattayasala troupe carefully manipulates the intricately painted puppets to the accompaniment of traditional Thai opera. The movements in the "Hun Lakkhon Lek" puppet show are based on Khon - the classical Thai masked dance performance.

Not long ago, the Nattayasala troupe won the Best Performance Art award at the 12th World Festival of Puppet Art 2008 in Prague. The troupe won the award in 2006 as well.

The honours the group earned for Thailand received scant recognition back home.

The Joe Louis Theatre, where the troupe performs is standing in the way of a new modern shopping mall. Developers want to doze it down. The theatre is located in the suan Lum Night Bazaar in central Bangkok. The puppeteers are facing eviction and soon could be without a home.

Young puppet master Pisutr Yangkhiawsod says if the troupe is forced to move out of its rented quarters, the members will go on the road if necessary.