Petchaburi Shadow Puppetry: A Functional Study

Abstract

This research aims to study the roles of both the Naischool and the Nork school ofPetchaburi shadow puppetry by analyzing voice-overs, conversations, and some contexts of performance. The theory of Functionalism is applied to analyze four plays: the War against Maiyarap fromthe Ramakien, the War against Tappanasoon from the Ramakien, KrohSuwan, and Duangjai Mae. 

The results show that Petchaburi shadow puppetry has five roles. The first is to provide certain background of some rituals in performing shadow puppetry. There are voice-overs for inviting a holy spirit to watch the performance as a votive offeringbecause a wish of the performance’s employer just became true.The second role is to provide education to the audience in the oral tradition society. Some knowledge, local wisdom, and attitudes are transferred through the performers’ experiences to the audience. The third is to maintain the norms of the society. The content of the performances admires some preferable values and resists some prohibited attitudes. The fourth role is to entertain the audience and relieve the audience’s frustrationwith sexuality, politics, and seniority. The last is to spread some information, at both local and international levels, to the locals.