Bot Lakhon Rueang Dalang in Samut Thai Number 375: Characteristics as Bot Lakhon Phanthang

Abstract

Bot Lakhon Rueang Dalang with the given number 375 was written in a black Thai traditional book (Samut Thai Dam), which is now kept in the National Library of Thailand. This anonymous play is a different version of the Dalang play of King Rama I. This article aims to examine the characteristics of Bot Lakhon Rueang Dalang in Samut Thai number 375. The study finds that the play contains certain descriptions that could be transformed into outstanding beautiful dances in line with the tradition of the Dalang which has been a repertoire of the court dance-drama. At the same time, the play consists of various features different from other versions of the Dalang play, including inserting funny scenes in the play, having concise continuity of the story, containing extensive dialogue, and specifying traditional Thai songs alternately with Khaek style songs corresponding with the origin of the story. These characteristics reflect the style of Lakhon Phanthang. As such, this play could be considered as an example of Bot Lakhon Phanthang and was likely composed during the reigns of King Rama IV and King Rama V, in which Lakhon Phanthang originated and became popular.