THE STUDY OF DVARAVATI ARTS AND CULTURE IN NAKHON PATHOM PROVINCE TO CREATE A PERFORMANCE TO PROMOTE TOURISM IN THE DVARAVATI ANCIENT DANCE CIVILIZATION SERIES

Abstract

The research titled "A Study of Dvaravati Art and Culture in Nakhon Pathom Province Toward the Creation of a Performance to Promote Tourism: The Dvaravati Archaeological Dance Civilization" focuses on the ancient city area of Nakhon Pathom during the Dvaravati historical period. Despite the presence of numerous archaeological sites, the area is still not widely recognized as an ancient city comparable to other provinces known for historical and archaeological tourism. The objectives of this study are: To create a performance inspired by the Dvaravati art and cultural context in Nakhon Pathom Province; To transmit dance postures and performance styles to educational institutions within cultural heritage areas of Nakhon Pathom; and To design and produce a promotional video to support Dvaravati cultural tourism. This research employs a Mixed Method Research approach and Participatory Action Research (PAR). Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaires, and were analyzed and validated by expert review. The result of the research was the development of a creative performance titled “Dvaravati Archaeological Dance Civilization,” which was disseminated to seven schools within the province. Additionally, a promotional video was produced, The performance was evaluated by three experts in Thai classical dance and performing arts, receiving an average score of 8.75, indicating a highly appropriate level. Audience satisfaction was found to be at the highest level (  = 4.69, S.D. = 0.60). This research led to the creation of a new performance based on the local Dvaravati cultural context, promoting tourism and instilling a sense of pride in the local community through historical storytelling in the form of performing arts.