The Prodigious Ability Of The King Chulalongkorn In Criticizing Performing Arts

Abstract

This dissertation was conducted with the following objectives: 1) to analyze the development of dramatic criticism in Thailand and 2) to examine King Rama V’s intelligence in performing arts criticism based on critiques and critical dramatic creativity under the concept of new historicism. The findings are as follows. In terms of the development of Performing arts criticism, during Rattanakosin period the criticism was conducted in form of parody with the purpose of criticizing individuals, social phenomena or others’ dramatic works. Later, educational reform in Thailand derived from the western world allowed Thai people to understand literary criticism and that was the beginning of performing arts criticism. Formerly, it was a matter of interpersonal communication and evolved to criticism published in media mainly in newspaper. Later, it gradually reached its downfall. At the present, criticism is presented through new media platforms. In addition, criticism is for the purpose of awarding and competition. It is also included in educational curricula and in qualification assessment of teaching personnel in educational institutions. The examination of King Rama V’s intelligence showed that his majesty played two roles: 1) a critic and 2) a critical performing arts creator. His critique became the starter of criticism published in public space and it helped boost understanding about Thai and foreign performing arts of the Siamese people. His majesty was an initiator who created new style of performing arts which was the combination of Thai traditional performance and western performance. He criticized individuals and significant social phenomena through his works. He made use of parody style to entertain the audience and lessen the degree of criticism. It can be considered an attempt of the Siamese elite to establish a new style of performing arts which displayed information along with entertainment. His majesty played an important role in the history of Thai performing arts and an influence for later dramatic work creativity and appreciation.