Creative Performance : Nat A Nong Songkrueng

Abstract

This research article aims to study the creative performance of “Nat A Nong Songkrueng,” an Indian style (Khaek) creative performance inspired by “Shakuntala: the episode of ‘Shakuntala dresses up to have an audience with King Thusayan.’” the written work by King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI.) The data was collected from documentation, performance videos, interviews with experts, and observation. The results show that “Nat A Nong Songkrueng” is a solo Songkrueng dance performance (female protagonist) consisting of;           1) Music and lyrics – They are newly composed by integrating Indian style music, including Khaek Banton Song, Khaek Ta Mo Song, and Samer Khaek Song.; 2) Costume – The costume is designed in Indian style to correspond with the performance theme and dance process.;     3) Dance process – It divides into 3 phases: the first phase, Khaek Ban Ton Song, showing the reason why Shakuntala dresses up; the second phase, Khaek Ta Mo Song, showing the way Shakuntala dresses, and the third phase, Samer Khaek Song, showing the trip to the royal garden of Shakuntala. The dance choreography is created by combining Thai and Indian traditional dance (Bharat Natyam), taking the positions and material of the costumes into consideration according to the traditions of Songkrueng traditional dance. There are 4 patterns of stage usages: Linear spread movement (left to right), circular movement, diagonal movement, and linear depth movement (front to back and back to front). the creative performance of “Nat A Nong Songkrueng” can be adapted with other performances that featured India-inspired characters for more aesthetics and academic value.