Phra Lak Phra Lam
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A Phra Lak Phra Lam is a Lao adaptation of the Ramayana Story that tells the journey of Phra Lam (Rama) and his brother Phra Lak (Lakshmana) as they seek to rescue Nang Sida (Sita) from the demon king Thotsakan (Ravana).
- Context:
- It can (typically) be performed as part of the Luang Prabang Ballet in Laos, blending traditional Lao music, dance, and costumes with the epic story.
- It can (often) reflect distinct Lao values and interpretations, emphasizing themes of loyalty, morality, and virtue in line with Lao Buddhist teachings.
- It can (typically) retain the core story elements from the original Ramayana Story, such as the abduction of Nang Sida and the heroic journey to retrieve her.
- It can adapt characters to embody Lao cultural ideals, such as portraying Phra Lam as a symbol of ethical and royal virtues and Nang Sida as a devoted and honorable figure.
- It can serve as an example of Ramayana-based Performance, showing the cultural variations and significance of the epic across Southeast Asia.
- It can include distinctive scenes or elements, such as ritual dances or symbolic gestures unique to Lao storytelling and Buddhist influence.
- It can illustrate the battle between good and evil, where Phra Lam and Phra Lak confront Thotsakan with the aid of allies, demonstrating unity and bravery.
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- Example(s):
- a Luang Prabang Ballet rendition of *Phra Lak Phra Lam*, featuring traditional Lao instrumentation and costumes.
- an adaptation of *Phra Lak Phra Lam* performed during religious festivals in Laos, showcasing the story's importance in Lao culture.
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- Counter-Example(s):
- Valmiki Ramayana, the original Indian version of the Ramayana as written by Valmiki.
- Ramcharitmanas, a Hindi-language version of the Ramayana by Tulsidas in northern India, emphasizing bhakti (devotion).
- Ramayana Ballet (Yogyakarta), an Indonesian dance adaptation that reflects Javanese culture.
- See: Ramayana Story, Luang Prabang Ballet, Lao Buddhism, Southeast Asian Performances, Phra Lam Character, Nang Sida Character, Thotsakan Character.
References
2024
- (Wikipedia, 2024) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phra_Lak_Phra_Lam Retrieved:2024-1-22.
- Phra Lak Phra Lam is the Lao version of the Ramayana, an epic originally from India that has been adapted into various regional forms across Southeast Asia. In the Lao tradition, the main characters include Phra Lam (analogous to the Hindu deity Rama), his brother Phra Lak (Lakshmana), and Nang Sida (Sita), who is abducted by the demon king Thotsakan (Ravana). The story is performed as a cultural ballet and highlights values such as loyalty, bravery, and the triumph of good over evil, tailored to Lao cultural and spiritual contexts.