CREATIVE THAI DANCE: SRI YA TRA SONGKREUNG

Abstract

The objective of this research is to explore the styles and concepts that emerged after the creation of Thai dance. This research is qualitative and creative research utilizing textual analysis, questionnaire, interview, observation, seminar on information media, criteria for honoring role models in performing arts, and the researcher's personal experience. The collected data were investigated, analyzed, and synthesized to be used as a reference to create the Thai dance named “Sri Ya Tra Songkreung”.

         The findings indicated that the pattern of this creative Thai dance was divided into 7 elements including 1) the performance’s script design was adapted from the compositions from the play “Inao”, the royal composition in the King Buddha Lertla Naphalai in the episode of “Sokan Siyatra to create a new play in accordance with the poetry of the play. 2) the actors were selected based on their basic skills in Thai dance. 3) the dance design was created following Thai dance with the feature of a rhythmic dance by lyrics. 4) the costume was designed based on the royal’s ancient tonsure traditions. 5) the props were designed by the process of Longsongtone or taking a bath and dressing dance. 6) the music was designed with 3 main principles of music using the Piphat Mai Nuam band. 7) the stage design was divided into 3 parts following Longsongtone or taking a bath and dressing dance.

         In addition, the researcher considered of 3 concepts after the Thai dance creation, namely 1) consideration of communication with the society, 2) consideration of creativity in Thai dancing arts, and 3) consideration of symbols usage in Thai dancing arts. In this regard, this research study is considered the collection of knowledge in the field of dance being integrated with other fields of science. It is, therefore, considered an academic progress in Thai dance creation that can be applied as a guideline for the further development of Thai dancing in the future.