Quietly nestled on the Chao Phraya riverside in view of the Grand Palace’s shimmering rooftops and the towering cityscape of the Thai capital lies a dance theatre that is redefining pre-conceived notions on traditional art forms and pushing the envelope with avant-garde performances. Founded nearly 20 years ago by iconic Thai actress Patravadi Mejudhon the Patravadi Theatre has become one of the country’s foremost institutions in the field of dance and performance art. A visionary artist in her own right the award-winning Patravadi Mejudhon who is both a renowned theatre director and playwright conceived of a performance art venue with the complementary purposes of education and performance which were fulfilled in 1992 with the patronage of aspiring performing artists who would be its key stakeholders.
Occupying a stunning location well-suited for a performance art space the venue overlooks the Wat Phra Kaew temple and other iconic landmarks in the area and is an iconic institution for the viewing and learning of traditional Thai dance forms in its own right. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the performances of the Patravadi Theatre’s students on weekends when local dance lovers and patrons mingle with curious tourists eager to discover the finer points of the centuries old dance school with its elaborate costumes and subtle hand gestures. Drummers and Thai acrobats are also part and parcel of these dinner shows where exuberant students unleash their creativity in a spectacle of movement and music.
Home to a spacious rehearsal hall the students engaging in Thai dance forms both ancient and new age can be seen practicing their steps to the beat of traditional instruments. A restaurant is also on-site for spectators to indulge in a snack after a show while a gift shop is also nearby for those who wish to pick up a reminder of their first encounter with Thai dance forms.
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