THAI DRAMATIC ARTS CREATING “ADUL PISAC CHOM DONG”

Abstract

Khon is an important form of Thai performing arts heritage that reflects the wisdom, beliefs, aesthetics, and cultural identity of the Thai nation. Khon Rong Nai is a highly refined court performance that integrates dance, narration, vocal recitation, and classical music in accordance with established conventions of Thai dramatic arts. However, solo performances of female demon characters and the choreographic tradition associated with the “forest admiration” (Chom Dong) narration have become increasingly rare in contemporary practice. This qualitative research aimed to investigate the historical background and character identity of “Adul Pisac,” a female demon in the royal version of the Ramakien (Ramayana), the royal literary adaptation commissioned by King Rama I, and to create a Thai classical dance performance titled Adul Pisac Chom Dong, in the form of a Khon Rong Nai solo dance. Data were collected through documentary research, literature review, and in-depth interviews with seven experts and specialists in Thai performing arts. The collected data were analyzed and synthesized to develop the performance concept, lyrics, musical composition, costume design, and choreographic structure. The findings revealed that Adul Pisac’s distinctive identity is characterized by familial devotion, ferocity, intelligence, and cunning strategy. These characteristics served as the conceptual foundation for the creative performance, which was structured into three episodes: Rittha Asuree (The Power of the Demoness), Nang Yaksi Ploen Chom (The Demoness Admiring the Forest), and Mung Trong Nang Kanlaya (The Pursuit of the Maiden). The choreography was newly created through interpretive movement design grounded in lyrical meaning and traditional Na Phat musical forms, while adapting the conventional giant-character dance vocabulary to establish a unique feminine demon identity. Evaluation by performing arts experts indicated that the performance demonstrated the highest level of accuracy in accordance with Thai classical dance conventions, aesthetic quality, and academic value. This research contributes new knowledge concerning the creation of Chom Dong choreographic repertoire for female demon characters within the Khon Rong Nai tradition and provides a model for the preservation, revitalization, and contemporary development of Thai classical performing arts.