Siam Niramit
Siam Niramit | |
---|---|
Thai history | |
Show type | Resident |
Date of premiere | December 2011 |
Location | 19 Thiam Ruam Mit Road , Huai Khwang, Bangkok, Thailand |
Creative team | |
Director | Dangkamon Na-Pombejra |
Producer | Amphol Suthiphein |
Producer and technical director | Krissara Warissaraphuricha |
Music composer | Kaiwan Kulavadhanothai |
Costume and set designer | Chatvichai Promadhattavedi |
Other information | |
Chief executive officer | Pannin Kittiparaporn |
General manager | Suriya Songsomboon |
Official website |
Siam Niramit (
After five years of preparation, the company Ratchada Niramit opened Siam Niramit in Bangkok in 2005. It took
The complex featured traditional Thai villages from the country's
The show received mostly positive reviews. Commentators said that while the show was touristy and not a purely authentic cultural show, it was inspired by Thai culture and history and was aesthetically and technically captivating. The Straits Times theater critic Ong Sor Fern found the show to be kitsch but said that "tourist trap cultural performances" like Siam Niramit were gateways to "purer" art forms, inspiring audience members like her to try to find Thai shows that are more authentic.[1]
History
Siam Niramit means "Magic Siam", "Magical Siam", or "The Glory of Siam" in
Siam Niramit Bangkok began doing shows on 27 October 2005.
Siam Niramit had 800 daily visitors and 270,000 attendees in 2007, and 60% came from outside the country.[20][21] The number of daily visitors dropped to 500 to 600 in 2009, representing a 30% occupancy rate. The two causes were a weak global economy and a price war with competitor tourist attractions that catered to Chinese tourists, who were their largest clientele. That year, Chinese tourists comprised 45% of their clientele, Europeans comprised 35%, and other countries made up the remaining balance.[21] According to Wallapa Phokawat, Ratchada Niramit's assistant managing director, 90% of their customers in 2011 were foreign tourists. She said political strife and economic challenges had caused the 2,000-seat theater to have for each show between 300 and 400 audience members over the last three years but that by October and November 2010, the number of viewers grew to between 800 and 1,000 owing to a better economic and political environment.[6]
Ratchada Niramit spent about 2 billion (US$58.6 million) to construct the Siam Niramit Phuket theater on a 57-rai (91,000 m2; 980,000 sq ft) plot of land that the company owned.[7] The company purchased the land for the venture, which took two years to complete.[22] Located in the Ko Kaeo subdistrict of the Mueang Phuket district, the property opened in December 2011.[7][17] The theater sits on Tiamruammit Road, which connects the city of Phuket with Phuket International Airport.[6]
Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Siam Niramit paused doing performances on 17 March 2020.[7] The company initially retained all of its employees but as the pandemic situation did not improve, they laid off nearly all except those who managed the building and physical assets.[23] Employees were given 30% of their regular wage to work remotely.[7] According to the company's CEO Pannin Kittiparaporn, the Bangkok theater had 600,000–700,000 annual visitors prior to COVID-19.[17] Siam Niramit Bangkok told over 200 employees that the business would shut down on 10 September 2021.[7][24] The rationale was that with a large number of the theater's customers from China, in the midst of the pandemic, the economy needed three years to recover. With seven years left on the lease, there would be insufficient time for the return of capital. The company transferred some of its Bangkok theater assets to its Phuket theater.[7] Siam Niramit Phuket reopened on 20 October 2022.[23][25] After the pandemic began, the company renovated its complex and revamped the show.[23] The show's occupancy rate reached between 30% and 40% by January 2023.[23]
Synopsis
Named Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam, the cultural show is split into three acts and goes over around 700 years of Thai history.
Split into three scenes, the second act is titled "Journey Beyond Imagination: The Three Realms".
The third act is titled "Journey Through Joyous Festivals". A tenet of Buddhism is that to ascend to
Venue and show
Siam Niramit Bangkok was a cultural theme complex featuring a theater, three dining venues, and imitation villages.
In the show's sections that illustrate heaven and fabled terrain, aerialists use wires to glide through the air.[1] Numerous animals appear on the stage: chickens, goats, and two elephants.[1] The show featured angels, thunder and lightning, and rain.[7][34] The forestage is transformed into a body of water that had a length exceeding 50 metres (160 ft).[1][3] Fountains burst on the river and rafts float through it.[1] Siam Niramit Bangkok had 150 stagehands as well as 150 performers, who put on 500 costumes during the show.[10] Paintings from Thailand's different eras inspired the costumes' design.[35] Several scenes underwent 20 rounds of editing.[17] Using dance and music, the show portrays Thailand's history.[32] The company's CEO Pannin Kittiparaporn said the goal of the show is to exhibit the culture of Thailand to foreign tourists.[17] The show contains scant talking. Succinct flashcards supply background about what is happening on stage. The flashcards' text is in five languages, and there is an voice-over in English.[1] Audience members are disallowed from photographing or recording the show.[32]
Called Thai Village, the imitation village in Bangkok in addition to
The property had a 300-seat parking facility and an international cuisine-focused buffet restaurant.[7] Named Siam Sawasdee 2, the buffet had 900 seats.[30] The Footprint Travel Guides called the buffet, which is an add-on, "probably not worth it".[40] Anusha K. of the New Straits Times had a positive opinion, writing, "The scrumptious Thai-Western buffet is a must-try if you love hawker food."[37]
Modeled after the Bangkok show, the Phuket show has a 70-minute run time, features over 500 lavish classic costumes, contains 100 performers, and has 100
Events
Shortly after the opening of Siam Niramit, its owner and operator Ratchada Niramit focused on increasing the volume of
Music and choreography
Kaiwan Kulavadhanothai, who composed the music, was influenced by both Western and Thai music. The show's soundtrack had existing Thai
Commentary about authenticity
The Straits Times theater critic Ong Sor Fern found Siam Niramit to be kitsch that is culturally educational for tourists but said the show should not be disregarded for only being that as it is a substantial undertaking that relies a lot on the culture and history of Thailand. According to Fern, she could be a "theatre snob" who criticizes the show for being "rubbish, a crude bowdlerisation of the fine, regal tradition of classical Thai dances". She instead decided that the show is "an easy, bite-sized introduction to Thai arts and culture" that "is akin to peering at a culture through a funhouse mirror, given the inevitable simplifications". Performers receive gainful employment through the show, which could be their only way of being professional dancers, she said. Ong concluded that "so-called tourist trap cultural performances" like Siam Niramit were gateways to "purer" art forms, inspiring audience members like her to try to find Thai shows that are more authentic.[1]
In an interview with the scholar Michael Fontaine, the show's
Reception
Albert Rodriguez of Seattle Gay News called the show "an engaging, colorful, and festive display".[32] The author Jim Algie praised the Bangkok show, calling it "a primer on the history of Thailand reenacted with the pizzazz of a Vegas show in a luxurious 2,000-seat theater".[63] Noosa News praised the entertainment complex, writing, "The Siam Niramit in Bangkok gives you three separate experiences: a glimpse of village life, unforgettable dining, and breathtaking theatre which express Thailand's rich culture. What an asset to a bustling city."[36] Marryam H. Reshii of Business Line called Siam Niramit "a spectacular extravaganza" and said it "beats Bollywood hollow", while The Courier-Mail found it to be "one of the most visually stunning shows I've seen anywhere".[31][64]
The Philippine Star's Althea Lauren stated, "the costumes, stage props, and backdrops are already a feast for the senses—think of all the majestic temples and colorful history and legends that make Thailand a top tourist destination, and imagine them represented on stage".[28] A Hindustan Times writer called the show "spectacular", noting, "Martial arts, dance, drama, comedy, special effects—you name it, you got it. I sat through 80 whole minutes on the edge of the seat without so much as a yawn or a nod."[65] The Business Day's Katy Chance lauded the show, writing, "While it may be the Thai equivalent of our own African Footprint in content, its staging, costumes and production value is quite staggeringly good".[16] Awed by how the show's creators were able replicate heavy tropical rain on the stage, The New York Times writer Thomas Fuller praised the show for being "worth the trip", writing, "It's sort of Thai culture meets Las Vegas. Sounds like a turnoff, but the sheer scale of the performance is impressive."[66]
Footnotes
References
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- ^ Algie 2012, p. 100
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- ^ Iyengar, Kishore; Iyengar, Smita (15 May 2008). "Hospitality and Thailand go hand in hand". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ "It's destination Thailand for an exotic wedding". The Hindu. 22 December 2007. Factiva THINDU0020071221e3cm00091.
- ^ ProQuest 894052854. Archived from the originalon 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "ไปต่อไม่ไหว"สยามนิรมิต กรุงเทพ"ประกาศเลิกกิจการเซ่นโควิด" [Unable to continue, "Siam Niramit Bangkok" announces closure of business in response to COVID]. Thansettakij (in Thai). 9 September 2021. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
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- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Feast for the eyes; Unique state-of-the-art theatre showcases Thailand's rich cultural heritage". Bangkok Post. 28 October 2005. Factiva BKPOST0020051028e1as00013.
- ^ a b Srimalee, Somluck (30 March 2005). "Ratchada has: high hopes for new show, 'Siam Niramit'. Bt1.5-billion theatre to open doors in May". The Nation. Factiva THENAT0020050330e13u00009.
- ^ "Siam Niramit ceases Bangkok operations". The Nation. 11 September 2021. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ "Theatre / Gala Premiere; Theatrical fantasy launched". Bangkok Post. 5 November 2005. Factiva BKPOST0020051105e1b500011.
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- ^ Fontaine 2008, p. 66
- ^ a b c Chance, Katy (25 November 2006). "A few fun-filled nights in Bangkok". Business Day. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d e กิตติพราภรณ์, พัณณิน Pannin Kittiparaporn (15 September 2021). "เปิดใจ "พัณณิน กิตติพราภรณ์" ตัดสินใจเลิกกิจการ "สยามนิรมิต กรุงเทพ"" [Opening up about "Pannin Kittiparaporn" deciding to liquidate the business "Siam Niramit Bangkok"]. Thansettakij (in Thai). Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ "สยามนิรมิตหาเมนสปอนเซอร์ "ช้าง"ประเดิมจ่าย60ล.นาน3ปี" [Siam Niramit is looking for a main sponsor. ThaiBev initially pays 60 million baht for 3 years]. Manager Daily (in Thai). 31 August 2005. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ Rungfapaisarn, Kwanchai (1 September 2005). "Ratchada Grand Theatre expected to raise bar for cultural stage shows". The Nation. Factiva THENAT0020050831e1910000k.
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- ^ a b c d e "Siam Niramit opens in Phuket". Bangkok Post. 30 January 2012. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d Chuenniran, Achadthaya (3 January 2023). "Phuket tourism on road to recovery". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ "Seven establishments closed amid Covid-19 crisis". The Nation. 25 December 2021. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ a b c Winaisathien, Thanawan ธนวรรณ วินัยเสถียร (18 October 2022). ""สยามนิรมิตภูเก็ต" กลับมาเปิดบริการอีกครั้ง 20 ต.ค.นี้" ["Siam Niramit Phuket" is back open for service on 20 October]. Thansettakij (in Thai). Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ "Creating a world of wonder". Bangkok Post. 14 January 2012. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Siam Niramit: Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam". The Philippine Star. 6 January 2007. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g Ricardo, Althea Lauren (20 March 2008). "Seven centuries of Thailand in one magical night". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Conference Banquet: 2013 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management" (PDF). IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering. 10 December 2013. p. 10. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Valisno, Jeffrey O. (24 October 2008). "Weekender: travel Best in show: Siam Niramit". BusinessWorld. Factiva BSWRLD0020081024e4ao0000g.
- ^ ProQuest 1322169609. Archived from the originalon 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
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- ^ Sangkaew, Narathip (7 April 2005). "New Attraction / Rachada Grand; Theatre set for debut". Bangkok Post. Factiva BKPOST0020050407e14700013.
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- ^ ProQuest 272226278. Archived from the originalon 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ a b Siribhakdi, Kloykamol (14 June 2007). "Exhibition / 'Rice, and the Life of the Rice Farmer'; The Story of Rice - From Paddy to Table". Bangkok Post. Factiva BKPOST0020070614e36e0001a.
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- ^ Bhushan, Nyay (22 April 2008). "IIFA Awards head to Bangkok". The Hollywood Reporter. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
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- ^ Pajee, Parinyaporn (2 February 2008). "Will the envelope contain a love letter'". The Nation. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
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Bibliography
- Algie, Jim (2012). Thailand. North Clarendon, Vermont: .
- Fontaine, Michael (2008). Beginning in the midst of the world: Ethics, poetics and social change on an international stage (PhD thesis). ProQuest 304825065. Archived from the originalon 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
External links
- Media related to Siam Niramit at Wikimedia Commons
- Official website