Lakhon nai


Lakhon nai is a Thai performing art originating in the royal court of Thailand. It features slow choreography accompanied by a piphat ensemble. The repertoire of lakhon nai consists of only four epics; the Ramakian, Unarut, Inao, and Dalang. A variation of this genre with male performers is called lakhon nai phu chai.

Etymology

Lakhon nai is believed to be a contraction of lakhon nang nai, or 'theatre of the women of the palace'. It was also known as lakhon khang nai and lakhon nai phra ratchathan.