The Development of Performing Arts from the Children's Play Ritual of The Thai-Lao Ethnic Group in Sikhorabhum District, Surin Province

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative research were: 1) to study the plays of Thai-Lao ethnic people living in Sikhoraphum district, Surin province; and 2) to develop the performing arts from the plays of Thai-Lao ethnic people livening in Sikhoraphum district, Surin province. Data had been collected through observations, interviews, and focused-group discussions with experts, practitioners, and general key informants who are living in Sikhoraphum district, Surin province.

           The study found that the children’s plays of Thai-Lao ethic people are considered as local wisdoms generated from the idea of playing for fun according to the child’s age. Such the plays have been inherited and applied basing on changes of social contexts. The children’s plays could be classified into 10 types including a gambling or eliminating play, a chasing play, a jumping play, a pulling play, a singing play, a single play, a precision play, a guessing play, a hiding and seeking play, and an imitating play. Normally, the plays are usually played with an unlimited number of players. Tools or equipment using in the plays are generally found in a living place. Songs used in the plays are usually a funny short song using a dialect which represents ways of life of people. Playing is very important for a development of children. For examples, playing helps children to be in good health, to have fun, to learn to live with others, to be a loser, to be a winner, to be a forgiver, to learn about rules, regulations, and social courtesy, and to generate love and unity among the faculty. Further, imagination and cleverness of children are also generated from playing, too.     

           According to the development of the performing arts from the children’s plays of the Thai-Lao ethnic group, the traditional Isan melody is applied to use in the performing arts developed by the researcher. The performers wear a loincloth and a breast cloth decorating with silver ornaments. Dancing patterns have been