By 3 min read

Hanuman Crosses the Ocean | หนุมานข้ามมหาสมุทร (2026)

หนุมานข้ามมหาสมุทร (Hanuman Crossing the Ocean) is a short Shadow Puppet play based on an episode of the Thai Ramakien/Lao Phra Lak Phra Lam that takes place during Hanuman’s trip to Lanka in search of the kidnapped Nang Sita. The style of work is influenced heavily by Nang Pramothai, a shadow puppet form from Northeastern Thailand and Laos (known as the Isaan region where Jon Silpayamanant was born) and was prominent during the early twentieth century.

By 2 min read

Star Theatre (2025)

“Star Theatre” is an audio score for the short 1901 timelapse film by Frederick S. Armitage showing the demolition of the Star Theatre on Thirteenth Street and Broadway in New York City, New York. This is a part of a series called #FilmShortFridays presented by Nang Thotlong, and experimental film, video, and shadow puppet theater project founded by Jon Silpayamanant.

By 2 min read

Hanuman Catches Suvannamaccha | หนุมานจับนางสุพรรณมัจฉา (2020/2025)

หนุมานจับนางสุพรรณมัจฉา (Hanuman catches Suvannamaccha) is a Shadow Puppet Chamber Opera based on the episodes of the Thai Ramakien/Lao Phra Lak Phra Lam that takes place during the building of the Causeway to Lanka. The style of shadow puppet theater is Nang Pramothai, a form found in Northeastern Thailand and Laos (what is known as the Isan region where Jon Silpayamanant was born).

By 3 min read

Homrong Isaan | โหมโรงอสาน (2023)

Homrong Isaan is in three parts. The first is influenced by Luk Thung and Luk Krung, two styles of Thai popular music that I grew up listening to here in the states. The second part is the “Thai Classical Music Section” with the marimba mimicking the Thai Ranad Ek, the Oboe modeling the quadruple reeded Pi Nai and the Flute playing the role of the Thai bamboo flute, Khlui. The last section is in the style of Mor Lam, a folk music genre in the Isaan region of Northeast Thailand and Laos and is especially influenced by especially the Khaen, a type of bamboo mouth organ, and the Phin, a plucked lute from the region.

By 1 min read

Finding Flight (2020)

Finding Flight commissioned by Kasari Dance / Katie Kasari. In Finding Flight, the dancers attempt to fold a traditional origami crane. The crane has become a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times. It is believed that if one folds 1000 origami crane’s, one’s wish…