Nang Yai
Nang Yai is an ancient form of shadow theatre where dancing puppeteers perform scenes of the Ramakien from behind a semi-transparent cloth screen. Usually performed during the festive seasons alongside a Thai phi phat orchestra, the audience never actually sees the puppet figures themselves. Instead, a large screen is erected on two poles and a light projection is presented to the audience. Directly translated as “Large Puppet” (Nang means leather and Yai means large), these 1–2-meter sized puppets are crafted from leather (or cow hide), and characters from Ramakien are engraved on them through punching holes on their surface. Performing the art of Nang Yai has become increasingly rare in modern day Thai performing arts scene, but attempts have been recently made to keep the tradition alive.