Nontuk: The Creation of Traditional Dance Theatre for Contemporary Audience

Abstract

This paper discusses selected scenes, including direction and choreography, from my production of the script of Ramakien-Khon where Naraya fights with Nontuk. The new script shows Nontuk’s background, including his conflict and crisis, to share his predestination with audiences. I created my production for Lakorn (dance theatre), based on the Kohn (Thai traditional mask dance) version. The paper reviews the methods I used when directing dancers for the Lakorn production, including encouraging each dancer to develop an intimate understanding of the motives and objectives of her or his character and to find and express that meaning in movement and body language. I also describe how I adapted Khon performance traditions for the production, using new music and choreography developed through acting exercises. In closing, I contemplate how the production explores new possibilities for using Thai classical dance and music rooted in the traditional forms as a new tool for communicating with today’s audiences.