Mon Rub Sadej : Creation dance from history and Rum Mon Pathum Thani

Abstract

The work aimed to study the history and name of the city of Pathumthani and to
determine the models and elements of creation of the performance ‘Mon Rup Sadet’. The
samples were selected by a specific sampling from the performance band and the local
scholars who were expert in Thai art performance.
The research findings were as follows. King Rama II had visited the city called
Samkok by boat and met the Mons living there. He resided at the pavilion on the bank of
the Chaopaya River and the locals regularly presented him with lotus flowers; hence he
graciously named the city as Phatumthani on August 23, 1815. That incident led to the
creation of the model and elements of the art performance ‘Mon Rup Sadet’. The
performance was based on the concepts and inspiration found in that incident. The ideas
were derived from Mr. Ditsada Nutbutsaba, a local scholar and Mrs. Sirat Yungyuen, a teacher.
The performance was divided into three episodes. Episode one introduced the background
and the purposes of the performance. Episode two described the Mon women taking a bath
and dressing up to welcome the king. Episode three characterized the king travelling by boat.
The Mons greeted him and presented him with lotus flowers. The king in turn gave the city
the name ‘Phatumthani’. The scenes used simulated the city context in the past. The
performance steps were created from postures, and patterns used in Rummon.