"The Mask Dance" and Thai Classical Dances
April 9 , 2001

Coming on Sunday, April 22, 2001 at the Teikyo Loretto Heights Theater (3001 S. Federal Blvd., Denver) at 1:00 p.m. is the performance of Khon "The Mask Dance" and Thai Classical Dances to be shown for the first time in Denver by the famous Silapakorn Division. Once in your life time, enjoy this spectacular show from Bangkok, Thailand for you may not see this spectacle of movement, mime, music acrobatics, singing and recitation again for a long, long time. This is the first time the performers from the Silapakorn Division will travel outside Thailand and this will be the one and only show in Denver. Ticket prices are: $25 $40 and $60. Group rates are also available. Tickets are available at Thai stores in Denver. Call Opas – 303-690-1402 or Patty Coutts at 303-756-5438.

Silapakorn Division, the famous school of the performing arts in Bangkok Thailand, is well known for its careful and disciplined training of Thai classical dancers from middle school to college. Only those with potential talents and determination are accepted in the school and once accepted, students are required to practice 4 hours a day. Upon graduation, they are ready to perform professionally in theaters.

When Ortai Neamthed, (owner of Wild Ginger Thai Restaurant in Littleton, Colorado) learned that the Silapakorn Division was coming to Los Angeles, she immediately invited them to come to Denver. She is so proud of this troupe; she wants to share the beauty and splendor of their performance with the people of Colorado. She wants the rest of the world to know that Thai dancers have something beautiful to offer – not only the Thai Classical Dances but also their magnificent costumes and wonderful stories to tell through their dances.

Ortai and her partner/manager Suenan Rehathorn have successfully managed the Wild Ginger located at 399 W. Littleton Blvd, Littleton, Colorado. Set in beautiful Thai décor, the restaurant offers authentic Thai dishes at very reasonable prices. They took over what used to be called Thai Orchid two years ago and now she has a regular crowd of customers who enjoy delicious appetizers, noodle soups, seafood, spicy curried dishes and special lunches. Ortai also owns Tommy’s Thai Restaurant located in 3410 E. Colfax in Aurora.

After working for 20 years at the State Unemployment Division, Ortai retired to concentrate in the restaurant business. Her husband, Somsak Damrongsang, manages the business aspect of the restaurant while Ortai and Suenan take care of the culinary part.