PERORMANCE STYLE OF MASTER SAKUNA RUNGRUANG IN LIKEY

Abstract

This article is a part of the thesis study, “The Likey Performance of Sakuna Rung-rueang”. The purpose of the study was to explore Likey performance of Sakuna Rung-rueang. The data were collected via 3 types of sources; (1) related academic documents, articles, and research, (2) electronic data, and (3) field study. The data were then analyzed to establish a body of knowledge about female roles in Likey performance. Sakuna Rung-rueang is a leading figure in Likey, a popular folk theater in Thailand. As a Likey master, Sukuna has performed the art on several stages, some of which have been televised. She has also worked as a stage director, a playwright, and a mentor who teaches both singing and dancing techniques in Likey performance to those who are interested. With her extensive work in Likey, Sakuna was awarded a Dao Mekhala Award and became even more well-known in Likey circles. Sakuna was born in a family of Likey performers and was taught the art by her father and mother who were from the troupes Homhuan and Thida Waiyakun. Sakuna then learned techniques from several Likey and Thai dance masters. Sakuna is known for her poem recital, as she sings with a powerful voice, as well as her outstanding dance that captivates her audience.

The results of the study revealed 7 types of roles for a female Likey performer including singing and dancing as a heroine, a villainess, a joker, and a male cross-dresser, as well as courting dancing, prelude dancing, and weapon dancing. The performances of Sakuna are outstanding with her own uniqueness in poem recital and dancing techniques which she has continuously improved and passed on to those who are interested in conserving the art of Likey.