SIAM NIRAMIT, a Thai celebration
Iniitially I thought it was going to be a dull and utterly uninteresting evening and a potential time-stealer at that. Though I grudgingly escorted my wife, it ultimately turned out to be an astonishing exposure. It was more than a movie, more than a drama, more than an opera. That was SIAM NIRAMIT, Bangkok, Thailand – a spectacular world-class show.
The name
of the show and the name of the theatre is SIAM NIRAMIT. The 80-minute
captivating journey (without intermission) unfolds the history and heritage, arts
and culture of Thailand (formerly known as SIAM) that have descended through
centuries. SIAM NIRAMIT is the name of
the same village created to introduce the traveller to basic Thai living and
practices. The show comprehensively makes a splendid celebration of Thai
culture. The lavish display has been designed with
both locals and foreigners in mind.
The
stage show depicts the Thai culture from its inception, comprised of three Acts.
ACT
1 – “Journey Back into History” where you see cross-roads of civilizations.
ACT
2 – “Journey Beyond Imagination” – “Hell” and “Heaven” are staged to perfection
with stupendous special effects and human forms being tortured and burned by
demons.
ACT
3 – “Journey through Joyous Festivals”
The
decors and background is so enticing that each Act is taking you into
another travel to discover the hidden face of Thailand. Special mention is a
must on the stage scenery which is simply breathtaking, the spectacular costumes
and the set employed with dazzling technology that makes the event a truly
state-of-the-art production. Live
elephants, stunts, magical illusion, bringing rains, floating angels. hell and
heaven on the stage ….. The attention to
details, costumes, colourful atmosphere, the background score ….. The
stage-preparedness and the lighting and visual effects are sure to leave you mesmerised
for long.
Interestingly,
the performers include artists and animals. Don’t be surprised when real
elephants come and walk past your seat like it is nothing. A stage that is so
large that it makes elephants look small and goats tiny. The performers coming
from the side or behind the audience appends glitter to the event.
The
amazing elements include a river streaming through the stage along with
elephants, goats and chickens. The
dancers plunge in the rivers.
While
the vibrance of the show is overwhelming, don’t look for a plot
or a dialogue. Just watch the show, you won’t notice the time. The show is, wherever required, translated in
English. Even if you do not understand
any language, it is not a problem. Although there is not only any talking done by the actors, the messages are clearly conveyed
through such outstanding performing skills and theatre effects. Random people
from audience were invited upstage to join the performance. Simply unique!
The
stage is huge, the actors are in a big number. What is fascinating is though about 150
artists and scores of animals performed, it is not possible to pick any one hero or
heroine. Such was the professionalism
and coordination. Thumbs up to the
production team! I cannot imagine how the stage and background
change in split seconds. I doubt whether
it would have been possible to maintain the incredible pace of set and costume
changes throughout. No wonder the stage
is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
Thailand
is not only bars and beaches, nor only temples and massage parlors. This live show definitely enriches the
visitor a bit more of Thailand. The
effort to make the show realistic was met.
As
we got to the spot early, we had time to walk around the cultural village and
experience and observe local people’s lifestyle. We could listen to local music and watch “bamboo”
dance.
A
truly memorable evening , well worth the time and price. Any time you contemplate a visit to Bangkok,
make SIAM NIRAMIT a compelling part of your itinerary. Go with family and
friends and entertain an evening to remember.
Don’t give a miss!
Note:
No
pictures are allowed and cameras have to be checked.
The
entry ticket price ranges between 1000 BHT to 2000 BHT depending on your
contacts and bargaining skills.
