KNOWLEDGE OF DRAMA IN THAI ROYAL COURT

Abstract

     This research gathered and studied knowledge about drama in the royal court of Thailand. Qualitative research was done with data collected from documents, research, interviews with national artists having teaching and acting experience of at least 30 years, observation and participation in recent royal court theatrical performances.
Results were that fundamental knowledge may be divided into five different components: initial practice; internal royal court training; further development at educational institutes; basic songs classified by tempo; and the annual Wai Khru ceremony to pay respect to teachers, with mandatory attendance by performers at the start of training and again for a brief confidence-building ceremony before each performance. A Berk Rong prelude played by a Piphat orchestra is followed by the premiere of a series of brief performances. The performance is structurally comprised of entire narratives, episodes, and series of performances. Conservation of knowledge is transmitted by disciples with experience, discretion and technique to convey consolidated knowledge.