Bot Āścarya (Erotic scenes): The Erotic Performances in Thai Classical Dance

Abstract

“Bot Āścarya (Erotic scene)” is a part of performance in Thai classical dance which is reflected through royal and local traditions. This love scene is a part of literature, poems, and fairy tales that depicts sexual activity (sexual intercourse) of two or more dancers. Such dancers express feeling of love or lust amongst them. An erotic scene is a special part that creates pleasure in Thai classical dance. This is also called “Khao Phra –Khao Nang” (Phra is male and Nang is female) in traditional Thai classical dance. An erotic scene is not limited to any particular type of drama; it can be included in Thai classical dance wherever appropriate, depending on the main plot. Mostly, an erotic scene is common in Lakhon Nok, which features all male dancers. The gestures of such performances are likely to be more realistic, playful, and provocative than those of Khon (mask dance) or Lakhon Nai. Movements in erotic scenes are known as “Khao Kiew” or “Kiewparasee” (flirting) which are applied through simple gestures such as cheek touching, chin raising, shoulder embracing, hand and foot touching. These movements are adapted to be more charming and smooth in Thai classical dance. Music for this scene is Pleng Na Patt, so-called “Lom” and “Tranon”. This is the main music used for erotic scenes, in which Lom implies foreplay actions between dancers prior to sexual activity, while Tranon implies the moment after intercourse. Nowadays, stage lighting design is used to illustrate erotic scenes effectively; lights will be dimmed during sleep or curtains will be closed, implying that dancers already have had sexual activity, proceeding to the next scene.