The khon, born in the Royal Palaces, and for centuries only performed there, is today mostly confined to performances at the National Theatre in Bangkok.

In all khon performances, four types of characters are presented - male humans, female humans, monkeys and demons. Monkey and demon figures are always masked. Today young men also take part, especially in such athletic roles as Hanuman, but originally most of the troupe were girls, as these complex dramas were performed in the inner court of the Royal Palace, where no men were allowed...