A Process of Producing Intercultural Performances between Thai Tradition-Based Popular Performance and British Panto

Abstract

This research is the creative process of producing a performance combining two popular theatre forms from Thailand and England, which shares certain common theatrical elements and aesthetic views. The research proposes two key approaches in conducting a show: (1) decoding theatrical cultures, which includes defining genres and forms, identifying semantic relations and literary adaptation for creating an intercultural and hybrid theatre between Thai tradition-based popular theatre and British panto; and (2) reinterpreting Kraithong, a Thai folk-drama, for crafting a contemporary production. The findings from the three stages of performance production, namely pre-production, production and post production, suggest that these two different performing cultures have the same aesthetic cores and theatrical elements of popular entertainment, which can be divided into seven topics: (1) familiar and entertaining plots; (2) stock characters and the performer’s sense of identity; (3) the variety of songs, music and dances; (4) costume, make-up, decorations and spectacular stage design; (5) audience participation; (6) improvisation and wit; and (7) jokes and comedy.