The original theatre next to Sivamokhaphiman Hall in the National Museum was made of wood. When the government decided to build a National Theatre as a venue for performances of traditional Thai drama, a larger, more sophisticated theatrical complex was called for. Theatre Building: This is divided into three parts. In the right wing is a small theatre, while the left wing contains the workshops of the stage technicians. The central wing is a large auditorium, Q next to which is the Sankhita Sala for open air musical performances. Notable among the cultural and dramatic works performed at the National Theatre is the masked Khon, in which episodes from the Ramayana epic dram_. enacted to music in highly stylised form. The Lakhon traditional drama can also be seen here, as well as performances of classical music and dance in the traditions both of the court and the villages of the four regions of Thailand. King Phra Pinklao Monument: This imposing, life-size figure cast in black bronze stands in front of the theatre.