The Method of Performing Likay “Sornram Namphetch”

Abstract

This research intended to determine the compositions and the method of performing Likay “Sornram Namphetch” by studying related documents, interviewing the experts and observing the performance.

The results indicated as follows: The compositions and the methods of performing that could complete the Likay “Sornram Namphetch” performance consisted of arranging right people for right responsibilities to distribute authorities and functions in the operations, training all actors for enhancing their performance so that emotions could be expressed to the audience of this Likay performance effectively. The music selected which was the Mon Piphat-based Thai orchestra with five musical instruments. The songs used dividing into three categories (including traditional songs, songs by chapter and songs at pleasure). The songs were selected to be suitable for actions. The stories of the musical drama were modified from ancient plots of Likay based on facts and rationality in actions, as well as determinations of poetries, poems and songs. Therefore, it was the responsibilities of all actors to memorize their own scripts. Costumes, make-up, and the performance equipment consisting of backdrop, stage, lighting, and sound, scene props including swords, spears, mounts, staves, staves, etc. that could help complete the show. Formatting of the performance and performing Likay processes began from the fundamental practice first, and then practice of dancing to various songs, followed by conveying performance methods step-by-step before the show by distributing roles and poems used in the performance. After that the director explained backgrounds of each character, gathered actors to explain the story and practiced the performance of each scene, and gave advices on the performance. This included the abilities of Sornram and Namphetch, actors and actresses of the team, singing and dialogue that were clearly pronounced according to orthography, understanding dramatic composition by characters, conveying emotions by characters through facial and eyes expressions. In the field of dancing, both Thai dancing techniques and dancing in accordance to scripts as Likay performance. All the compositions and the method of performing Likay were applied in order to disseminate academic documents and inherit the wisdom in performing Likay onwards.