Bangkok Puppet Show at the Aksra Theatre

The puppet show at the Aksra Theatre is definitely one of Bangkok’s must-see attractions. Taking place on an elaborate stage, folk tales are told through the classic art of puppetry. Rather than being hidden away, the puppeteers are very much part of the show. Their graceful movements form a delightful dance that is an integral part of the rich cultural performance. Three puppeteers control the legs, arms and head of each puppet. Dressed in black, they blend into the background while the colourful puppets spring to life. Both the puppets and puppeteers dance along in synch with the live orchestra, featuring a combination of traditional Thai and European musical instruments. The puppeteers’ dance movements also include loud stamping of the feet in tune with the traditional music.

As the curtains open, the audience is amazed by the grandiose set design; a magnificent display of beauty and skilled craftsmanship, transporting you to a different world. The puppeteers begin with a dance on the stage in couples or groups of three, manipulating beautiful puppets to life. Just under a metre in height, the puppets are dressed in stunningly colourful classical costumes. Some represent human characters, while others portray mythical creatures from Thai folklore. Together with stage technique and classical dance, the elaborate scenes tell stories taken from the Ramayana epic and Thai folk dances. Each performance comes with a different set design.

Some feature only live actors, like the ‘cock fight dance’ – a particular crowd pleaser. Beautifully choreographed, dancers dressed in colourful garb representing roosters perform this old-time traditional Thai sport.

A segment of the night's performance demonstrates traditional Thai martial arts scenes. While two performers fight with swords at one end of the stage, another two are engaged in traditional stick-fighting at the opposite end. This martial arts segment of the show also includes a muay thai (Thai kick-boxing) performance.

The show ends with a mix of musical and dance performances from the central and northeast regions of Thailand. With a temple fair theme as background, 30 puppeteers manning 10 puppets give a spectacular finale that is sure to lift the spirits and provides a fantastic ending to a rich and entertaining presentation of one of Thailand’s most revered art forms.

After the hour-long show, the performers come down from the stage and mingle with the audience, allowing the puppets to be photographed. The puppets play some cheeky antics with the audience, driving them to shrieks of laughter and hysterics.

Playing host to this amazing puppet show is a medium-sized theatre with 600 seats. The Aksra Theatre is lavishly decorated in an over-the-top theme inspired by traditional Thai art and craftsmanship. Outside, a pair of giant mythical creatures from Thai folklore hold a long golden arch welcoming guests. The Hall of Fame is a palatial-like foyer area with imposing, 14-metre high ceilings, elaborate puppet displays and sandstone sculptures of characters from Thai folktales. Traditional paintings and wooden carvings adorn the walls and the ceiling of the theatre. The ceiling represents the seven stages of heaven, and the walls are covered with gilded carvings of dancing angels. Aksra Th

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