Likay Traditional dance of thailand
If khon and lakhon are classical art, then likay is slapstick comedy performed
for the masses. The obvious lack of deep artistic talent is made up for with
unabashed exuberance and a strong sense of earthiness. A form of people’s
theater performed at most provincial fairs, likay relies heavily on predictable
plots, outrageous dou ble entendres, and lowball comedy. Perform ers interact
directly with the audience, which responds with raucous laughter at the
political sarcasm and sexual innuendo. Costumes worn by the untalented but
enthusiastic actors run from gaudy jewelery to heavy makeup. It is ironic that
television, the universal destroyer of tra ditional theater, has helped keep
likay alive by broadcasting daily performances of soapopera sophistication.