Narathiwat, Thailand: Dancers moved gracefully in a circle, their beaded dress pieces swaying as they struck bird-like poses in a dance-drama known as “nora” — a southern Thai performance art which was added Wednesday to UNESCO´s prestigious heritage list.
The dramatic art form — combining dancing, singing and storytelling — has roots in India, and has been practised in Thailand´s southernmost provinces for centuries.
Performances are usually a dramatic retelling of the tale of a local prince who tries to rescue Manora — a half-human, half-bird princess, whose shortened name gives the art its name.
The ultra-elaborate showcases can last for up to three days.
UNESCO on Wednesday officially listed nora as Thailand´s “Intangible Cultural Heritage” — a move that could potentially bring more global…
