The Analysis of Viroj Larnhomhual troupe’s Li-Ke’ Lookbot performance Characteristic : A case study of the Jantakorop Story

Abstract

This research article, "The Analysis of Viroj Larn Homhuan's Lookbot Li-ke Troupe 's Performing Style in Jantakorop Story" aims to study the origin of Master Viroj Veerawattananon's Li-ke performance.
The study covers performing characteristics and elements of Master Viroj Veerawatnanon's Li-ke Lookbot as well as the analysis of performing characteristics and elements of Master Vifoj Veerawattnanon.  The research boundary lies within Master Viroj Veerawattananon's Li-ke performance based on the story "Jantakorop" whereas the research approach follows quantitative research discipline. 
The research result reveals that Master Viroj's Li-ke Lookbot performance was passed on to him by Master Homhuan Nagasiri, his grandfather, when he was 12 years old, at the same time as others in the similar ages. Meanwhile, Mistress Nom Raktaprajit, a Thai classical dance performer from Suankularb Palace, trained them the basic dances such as Pleng Cha, Pleng Raew, Pleng Maebot and Pleng Napat dances.
Once they had been properly trained to the level that they can perform, Master Homhuan subsequently established the "Homhuan Special Class" for them, by which special class means the last team which he trained them to perform Li-ke. The troupe was duly hired to perform around until it became well known. Sometimes after, Master Viroj decided to establish his own Li-ke troupe by the name, "Viroj Larn Homhuan" , in which performers were recruited from those who used to perform together with him in Homhuan Special Class team.  The performance is conducted in Li-ke Lookbot style, invented by Master Homhuan Nagasiri, which utilises the singing of; Rajniklerng, Hongtong, other mid-tempo and miscellaneous Thai classical songs whereas using Napat songs to demonstrate various actions in performances. 
Those who performs the role of men adorn round neck shirt that under a vest, meanwhile, wearing a loincloth in Lookbot style and wrap around their heads with headband decorated with artificial diamonds. The female performers adorn a cloth in  "Nanang" skirt style and wrap their torsos with torso wrapping clothes. Pipat band accompanies the performance and the performing procedure starts from teacher homage paying orchestrating to Ork Khaek (introductory solo performance) before beginning with story.
Regarding the performing of Li-ke lookbot of Jantakorop story, the performance follows that composed by Master Viroj which starts from Jantakorop bidding farewell to his rishi master before returning to his city.  After that, the story follows the literature and ended with the scene when Mora presented the sword to the villain.