Originally, all the actors wore masks, a tradition that changed in the 19th century. Since then, only the actors portraying demons and monkeys are masked.These are the masks of the giants with whom Rama must do battle.

An actor tweaks a mask prior to the performance.

The papier-maché masks are made to cover the entire head of the wearer. Each has its own unique distinguishing traits, including color, to identify the character it represents.These masks represent some of the monkey warriors.

Relaxing before the performance. This was an all-male cast, as were the original khon performances, although women play the female roles in many of today's productions.

The actor who will play Phra Lak, or Lakshmana, Rama's brother, inspecting his headdress

Before performing, the actors respectfully wai their teachers.

Kumbhakarna, brother of Ravana, standing at right

Ravana (Tosakan in the Thai version), ruler of the island of Lanka and archenemy of Rama

Ravana and his brother Kumbhakarna

Sahasdecha, an ally of the evil Ravana, is (I think!) the giant in white, seen here with Ravana's younger brother Kumbhakarna.

Kumbhakarna

Sahasadecha

Sahasadecha holds his powerful magic mace. When pointed at an enemy, one end of the mace kills; the other end allows the holder to recover from wounding.

In the Ramakien, Sahasadecha, king of Pangtan, was said to have a thousand faces and many arms as well.

Note the 'horses' that pull Sahasadecha's chariot.

Ultimately, Sahasadecha was tricked into giving up his magic mace by Hanuman, the white monkey warrior and ally of Rama, whose own magical powers allowed him to enlarge himself to giant size and to kill Sahasadecha.

Ravana arrives on his war chariot.

Ravana and warriors

Sahasadecha on his chariot, accompanied by warriors

Phra Ram, or Rama, the hero after whom the Ramakien/Ramayana is named

Sukreep, monkey ally of Rama (foreground), and Lakshmana, with sword raised

Kumbhakarna arrives, ready for battle.

Sukreep

Rama and Lakshmana arrive at the battlefield with their monkey-warrior allies. Hanuman is the white monkey directly in front of Rama's chariot in the photo.

Rama and Lakshmana

Sahasadecha, preparing for battle

Sahasadecha