CREATIVE DESIGN WORK THE WEAPON DANCE OF MASTER NORA KAEK

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The Nora Khaek is a traditional folk performance deeply rooted in the southern border provinces of Thailand. It uniquely blends Thai and Malay cultural elements, resulting in a distinctive local identity. The Phor Nora Khaek (troupe leader) plays a significant role in both ritual and performance contexts, particularly through the use of two symbolic weapons: the Phra Khan (ritual sword), employed in the sacred Nora Rong Khru ceremony, and the Mat Wai (rattan bundle), used in comedic interactions with the hunter character. This creative research aims to examine the historical background, roles, and processes of weapon use in Nora Khaek, and to apply this knowledge in the creation of a new dance performance entitled “The Weapon Dance of Master Nora Khaek” as a means to preserve and disseminate local cultural heritage.

Methodology: The study employed a both qualitative and creative research approaches,  Data were collected from three main sources: (1) Documentary research and academic studies related to Nora Khaek and folk performance traditions, (2) Fieldwork involving structured and unstructured in-depth interviews with troupe owners, performers, musicians, and experts in creative performance, combined with both participant and non-participant observation, and (3) Data validation through methodological triangulation to ensure reliability. Subsequently, the data were analyzed from cultural and performance perspectives and subsequently applied in designing the creative work, integrating traditional Nora performance structures with contemporary choreographic theory.

Key Findings: The findings reveal that Nora Khaek is distinguished by its synthesis of Nora and Mak Yong elements, featuring bilingual performances in Thai and Malay languages. At present, only a few troupes remain active, such as the Phong Phee Nong troupe in Narathiwat Province continue to perform this art form. The symbolic weapons of Master Nora Khaek hold profound cultural meaning: the Phra Khan embodies sacred ritual power, while the Mat Wai generates humor and dynamic interaction with the hunter character. Both symbolize authority and the spiritual essence of Master Nora Khaek. The creative performance incorporates new elements, including a redesigned “Soi Tua” (beaded costume) that preserves tradition while adding modern brilliance, original musical compositions blending folk and contemporary instruments, and newly choreographed movements derived from traditional gestures. The performance is presented in three parts: (1) the appearance of Master Nora, (2) the seated dance Khue Ngo Ba Ngung, and (3) the weapon dance, reflecting ritual, beauty, and entertainment.

Significance of the Study: This work contributes in two key dimensions: cultural and academic. Culturally, it aids in preserving and revitalizing Nora Khaek, which faces declining popularity and risk of extinction, by systematically documenting knowledge and presenting it through a contemporary yet culturally respectful performance. Academically, it serves as a model for applying creative research methods to produce new works in performing arts, providing empirical evidence of the interconnection between local wisdom and modern performance theory. Moreover, it offers resources for integrating folk performance into education, such as teaching materials, and inspires new generations of researchers.

Conclusion and Future Directions: The creative research “The Weapon Dance of Master Nora Khaek” demonstrates that the weapons of Phor Nora Khaek are not merely performance props but powerful symbols of spirituality, belief, and communal identity. Through dance, costume, and music, the performance bridges cultural memory with contemporary creativity. This work not only preserves intangible cultural heritage but also enhances the scholarly and educational value. Future directions should focus on: (1) comparative studies with other Southeast Asian folk performances to broaden interpretive perspectives, (2) the development of textbooks and teaching manuals for academic use, and (3) the international dissemination to elevate the global recognition of Nora Khaek as a unique cultural art form.