Boy Jetinutt Launches Urban Khon Series for New Generation
Producer Boy Jetinutt launched "Jong Dang – The Urban Khon," a new series blending classical Thai dance with K-pop elements to introduce khon performance art to younger generations. The production officially began with a ceremony at Salaya
Boy Jetinutt Saisingha, producer and director of Wayupatth Productions, marked an auspicious moment at 09.09 a.m. to launch the camera for "Jong Dang – The Urban Khon," a series dedicated to preserving Thai cultural heritage through a contemporary perspective. This marks an important milestone for Thai entertainment in bringing valued cultural arts to younger generations. The ceremony was held at the courtyard in front of Ganesha at Salaya College of Dramatic Arts, surrounded by a sacred atmosphere and the essence of Thai khon performance art.
The event was honored by prominent figures in the dance and khon world, including National Artist Noprat Supakarn (2022), Lieutenant Colonel Pattrakrit Poompipat (Teacher Tae), Vice President of Dusit Thani College of Dramatic Arts and assistant director of the Foundation for Promoting Khon Performance, as well as Mai Thao Mingmongkol and the cast and crew ready to convey the elegance of khon through this series.
The ceremony began with a pi-phat ensemble performing auspicious Thai music, followed by an offering ceremony conducted by Brahmins. Female dancers then performed a hand-raising dance for auspiciousness, followed by a khon performance showcasing full royal regalia—princes, princesses, giants, and monkeys—displaying the grace of Thai dance beautifully.
The event also featured an energetic dance showcase led by Buoy Amnuay Khawphan, Thaer Phonsak Taphaw, Temptae Worawat Peungsomboon, Pangpang Akrawin Khositnon, and many other talented performers, drawing roaring applause equal to the khon performance. Additional acclaimed actors including Tai Saiyadhon, Tum Prasit, and many others joined the series to deliver compelling storytelling.
"Jong Dang – The Urban Khon" is not merely a series presenting the beauty of khon performance art; it is a work aimed at preserving and conserving khon, Thailand's invaluable cultural and intellectual heritage, through contemporary storytelling to reach audiences of all ages and genders, especially younger generations.
The uniqueness of this series lies in blending the charm of khon with modern pop culture by incorporating K-POP elements—dance, music, performance rhythm, and the energy of young artists—creatively fused with Thai classical dance under the concept "preserving roots while moving forward with the modern world." This creates a new dimension for khon while fully respecting traditional forms and values.
The "Jong Dang" series also demonstrates that khon is not merely performance art confined to stages or textbooks, but can evolve, adapt, and connect seamlessly with contemporary culture. This approach aims to inspire youth to take interest in, study, and take pride in Thai cultural arts, and to participate in preserving the nation's heritage for generations to come.
The "Jong Dang" series is currently undergoing actor workshops and preparing for principal photography.
