Thai performing art
Lakhon nai (Thai: ละครใน, pronounced [lā.kʰɔ̄ːn nāj]) is a Thai performing art originating in the royal court of Thailand (formerly Siam). It features slow choreography accompanied by a piphat ensemble. The repertoire of lakhon nai consists of only four epics; the Ramakian, Unarut (Aniruddha), Inao (Panji), and Dalang (a greater version of Inao).[1]: 67 A variation of this genre with male performers is called lakhon nai phu chai (Thai: ละครในผู้ชาย; RTGS: lakhon nai phu chai).
Etymology
Lakhon nai is believed to be a contraction of lakhon nang nai (ละครนางใน), or 'theatre of the women of the palace'.[1]: 63 It was also known as lakhon khang nai (ละครข้างใน, literally, 'theatre of the inner court') and lakhon nai phra ratchathan (ละครในพระราชฐาน, literally, 'theatre of [belonging to] the king').[2][failed verification]
References