In the final term of last academic year, Grade 9 and 10 Drama students were privileged to have a teacher from the Chiang Mai School of Dance (Kru R.) come to Prem and teach the students the art of the traditional Thai masked dance drama called  “Khon”.  The dance drama enacts the story of the legendary Thai epic “The Ramakien” which is central to Thai culture, values, and morals.Kru R. taught the students the various techniques of Khon foot-work, hand gestures, and choreography.

Kru R. taught the students the various techniques of Khon foot-work, hand gestures, and choreography.
It was an exciting opportunity for the students to learn about the traditional theatre form of our host country Thailand.
The interdisciplinary unit, which involved collaboration with the Thai Language and Literature Department, was part of the World Theatre Studies course that Grade 9 and 10 students are able to choose as an Arts elective.The unit culminated with the students devising and performing their own interpretation of one of the stories from The Ramakien and performing it in the style of Khon.
The unit culminated with the students devising and performing their own interpretation of one of the stories from The Ramakien and performing it in the style of Khon.Being exposed to art forms from different cultures, including those of the host country, is a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate the cultural diversity of the school community and develop international-mindedness.
Being exposed to art forms from different cultures, including those of the host country, is a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate the cultural diversity of the school community and develop international-mindedness.Dr Chris Muller of the International Baccalaureate Organisation has underlined the importance of educating students towards international-mindedness:
Dr. Chris Muller of the International Baccalaureate Organisation has underlined the importance of educating students towards international-mindedness:
International-mindedness is a view of the world in which people see themselves connected to the global community… It is an awareness of the inter-relatedness of all nations and peoples, and recognition of the complexity of these relationships. Internationally-minded people appreciate and value the diversity of cultures in the world and make an effort to learn more about them.
The World Theatre Studies course at Prem explores the rich diversity of theatre forms from several different cultures around the world and enables students to make connections to the inter-relatedness of these cultures.Borys Maciburko
Borys MaciburkoDrama and Theatre Teacher
Drama and Theatre Teacher