National Theatre Reopens With Khon Ramavatar Performance

BANGKOK — Thailand's Fine Arts Department will reopen its revamped National Theatre with a performance of Khon Ramavatar, bringing the classical masked dance-drama back to the stage as part of its 2027 annual performing arts programme. The programme was announced on 23 September by Phanombut Chandrachoti, director-general of the Fine Arts Department, at the National Theatre.

The National Theatre was built in 1965 and has served as a major venue for Thailand's traditional dance, music and performing arts for more than six decades. It underwent a major renovation in 2022, with upgrades to its sound, lighting and stage systems, as well as related performance technology. The renovation was aimed at bringing the theatre to international standards and allowing it to accommodate a wider range of performances.

The theatre reopened for public system testing in May after more than three years of renovations. Feedback from audiences was subsequently used to further improve its systems, according to the Fine Arts Department.

The 2027 annual programme will feature performances linked to the theatre's history, including the dance Thep Prathan Phon Mongkol and Khon based on the Ramakien, titled Ramavatar. The Ramavatar performance follows the same format as the production presented at the opening ceremony of the National Theatre on 23 December 1965, which was attended by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.

The production will be performed by artists from the Fine Arts Department's Office of Performing Arts and directed by National Artist Pakorn Pornpisut. Ramavatar will be staged four times at the National Theatre at 14:00 on 11, 17 and 25 October and 1 November 2026.

Tickets will go on sale from 09:30 on 28 September, with 300 seats per performance available at the National Theatre counter and another 700 seats available online through the Fine Arts Department's website. Tickets are priced at 400, 300, 200, 150 and 100 baht.