The Scholarly National Artists of Morlum in Ubon Ratchathani Province ศิลปินแห่งชาติปราชญ์ด้านหมอลำของชาวจังหวัดอุบลราชธานี

Abstract

Morlum is a distinctive folk performance in the northeast of Thailand. In the past it was the only entertainment form available for people in this part of the country. Then the performance was not complicated, comprising only one male performer and one female performer. The show was accompanied by only Kan, the Isan-style mouth organ musical instrument. While performing, the folk actors or singers would have a rhetorical debate with the other side, and they occasionally used flowery words to address and court one another. Their performance could mesmerize the audiences. What played the vital role throughout the show was wit, skills and expertise on the part of the performers in using the words. The story narrated or used in the performance was typically joyous, interesting and didactic for the spectators. To be skilled performers, they had to undergo an arduous practice for a very long period. With popularity of the performers came the earning for them. These days Morlum has markedly changed from the original form. In addition, entertainments in today’s world are available in various forms. However, popularity of Morlum does not decline. A traditional version of Morlum remains attractive or appealing to many people. This is because it is more than a folk art or performance, it perfectly reflects the spirit and soul, beliefs and indigenous wisdom of Isan people. Considering the important role of Morlum as described, the Ministry of Culture had conferred the National Artist Award in the Performing Art (Morlum) for the first time in 1986. Based on the life background of Morlum performers who won the National Artist Prize, it was found that there were some common grounds. Many of these performers once in their lifetime used to live in Ubonratchathani and also made a significant contribution to the province.