Nang Yai

Nang Yai or Nang Talung ( Thai: หนังใหญ่ ) is the Thai form of shadow theater.

Nowadays there is this art form almost exclusively in southern Thailand, where it is called Nang Talung. The puppets are made ​​from the skin of buffalo. They act accompanied by songs, chants and music. In other areas of Thailand Nang Yai is however also given:

• Khanon in Ratchaburi Province
• Wat Plub in Phetchaburi Province
• Wat Sawang Arom in the province of Singburi
• Wat Samut Songkhram Pumarin in the province
• Wat Donin in Rayong province

Nang Yai, literally 'Great leather ", meaning the made ​​of leather puppets. In Thailand, it is considered a great art form, which is maintained since the 15th century. During the Ayutthaya period, the shadow play was a major form of entertainment. At the end of the reign of King Borommakot (reigned 1732-1758 ) wrote the Buddhist monk Bunnowat Khamchan a ballad that highlights the shadow play.

Nang Yai is the early form of mask dance and told from the Indian drama Ramakien in episodic form. Usually, the events of shadow theater in Thailand are held in the open air. It spans to an approximately 6 & nbspMeter times 16 meter screen on piles of bamboo or wood. Behind the screen of a fire is generated, which ensures sufficient illumination of the puppets to the audience out. In order to present a music group plays each matching pieces.

The puppets weigh between three and seven pounds.