Nora is a lively, acrobatic dance form originating in southern Thailand. Performances normally begin with an oral invocation, followed by an elaborate presentation by a lead character who moves vigorously and elegantly.
Menora (Jawi: Menora) is a Thai dance drama that is popular in Malaysia, Thailand, and the southern states of Thailand. It is also referred to as Manora or Nora in Thai. A Menora performance is generally comprised of an invocation, a dance, and a play or skit. The invocation uses slow rhythmic movements of the legs, arms, and fingers.
The Thai legends of Manohara, which are derived from the Buddhist Jataka tales, are reflected in the dramatic repertoire, many of which were already acculturated into Malay society centuries ago. This story is rather complex, so to be presented it requires many evening performances.
The story itself is used only as a binding theme, and the whole show involves prayers, dance numbers, obscene verbal humor, elements of folk comedy, and even magic rituals intended to bring bad luck upon a rival theater group. Nora dancers traditionally have an aura of magic about them, which may refer to the genre's origins as a kind of shamanic healing or possession ritual.
The main Nora performers wear colorful costumes with crowns or headdresses. Beads, or bird-like wings tied around the waist, with scarves, and swan tails that give them a bird-like appearance. The ensemble plays highly rhythmic and fast-paced music. An oboe provides the melody, while drums, gongs, cymbals, and wooden clappers provide the rhythms.
Nora has been performed at community centers, temple fairs, and cultural events for over five hundred years with deep cultural and social significance. It is passed on through training in homes, community organizations, and educational institutions. The performances reinforce cultural life and social bonds among locals by using dialects, music, and literature.
Nora dance has become increasingly popular in recent decades, and in addition to the traditional form of nora, other forms such as nora karaoke and rock nora have evolved into popular forms of the dance. In the south of Thailand, nora has become a kind of trademark of southern Thai culture. Originally, Nora was performed outdoors with no props or sets. Now, touring troupes often use an illusionistic backdrop behind their small stage.