The Long Song Thon Tao Krung Phan : From Royal Composition to Performance

Abstract

This article aimed to study the background of the Long Song Thon Thao Krung Phan
dance that was performed in the Unnarut palace drama through its history, concept of the
composition, and choreography. A qualitative research method was applied, including
literature review, playwriting adjustment concept, cultural concept, in-depth interview with
experts.The research instruments included interview form, observation, and dance practice.
This research has been certified by Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University Ethics
Research Board no. R.76/2021.
The results revealed that Thao Krung Phan was a demon king and an antagonist
character that played an important role in the Unnarut palace drama. Moreover, the Long
Song (bath taking and grooming) part was taken prior to fighting against Phra Unnarut. King
Rama I of the Rattanakosin (Bangkok) Period composed the Long Song lyrics for the Unnarut
palace drama to explain the process of bath taking, grooming, and preparing weapons for
battle by Thao Krung Phan. The royal composition became a reference for Pranee
Samranwong to draft lyrics for the Long Song Thon Thao Krung Phan dance. Lamun
Yamakhup was later invited to design the Long Song dancing tunes and styles for hero
characters performed in the palace drama such as Klom Na (eight-shaped facial movement),
Yueng Tua (trunk movement), and Len Tao (rhythmic stepping), combining them with demon
character in Khon and maintaining the dancing structure of the demon characters through
proportion of Wong (outward arm reach for demon characters) , and Long Liam (squareshaped standing posture). Moreover, the demon character’s’ body movements - leg lifting
and stomping and foot tapping - were reconsidered. The Long Song Thon Thao Krung Phan
dancing process was consequently created.