Book Review: “Nang Yike Chai: The Era of (Non-)Governmental Popularity”

Abstract

Yi-ke is a traditional performance art that evolved from "Lakhon Nok," which exclusively featured male actors. In the early days, women primarily performed in classical dance dramas. Yi-ke originated from Lakhon Nok because it resonated with the common folk through its humor, easy-to-understand stories, often drawn from Thai literature, and its affordability compared to other forms of entertainment.

The fascination with all-male Yi-ke lies in the actors' ability to portray both male and female roles. This requires a great deal of skill to convincingly convey the emotions, mannerisms, and gestures typical of women. If the male actors happen to have a feminine disposition, their portrayal of female characters becomes even more realistic.