THE VALUE OF FEMALE CHARACTERS ROLE IN KHON MASKED DRAMA PORTRAYED BY MALE ACTORS IN THAI DRAMATIC DANCES

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were to study 1) the process of selection, role development female characters represented by men and 2) the value of female characters role in Khon masked drama portrayed by male actors in Thai dramatic dances. The data collecting was sought by the documents, textbooks, articles, e-documents related as well as in-depth interviews conducted with the actor showman and acting coach. The content analysis was employed to analyze the data. The finding showed that 1) the process of selection are consider the actor's height and proportions to be consistent with the character's role and must receive voluntary participation from the actors as well, the role development female characters represented by men a process that is a continuation of the selection of actors and develop roles by transferring dance moves from instructors who are experts in each character's role. 2) The value of female characters role in Khon masked drama portrayed by male actors in Thai dramatic dances consist of intrinsic benefits because it can enhance artistic value and aesthetics that women cannot equal and then instrumental benefits consist of private benefits is an advantage of the opportunity to act in more than two roles and public benefits is a symbol of national identity.