CHOREOGRAPHY OF PHIJITLEKHA AUMSOM

Abstract

Choreography of "Phichit Lekha Umsom" (the Intermediation of Phichit Lekha) is a creative research which aimed to study techniques in the duo performance "Umsom" (the intermediation) and to create a new performance according to Thai royal dance tradition. The study was based on related documents, interviews, observation from VDOs, self-training, experience from teaching and performing, and a focus group meeting with the experts to validate the information.

The results revealed that, to master the Umsom dance techniques, both performers have to practice the postures until they can perform the dance simultaneously as if they were the same person. The creator used this information as a guideline to create the performance. The first step was to analyze the traditional dance postures from textbooks which have been passed on to the next generations since Ayutthaya Period. Next, the information obtained from step 1 was used as a basis for the creation: a) the choreography of the overture; b) the choreography of the lyric included the main postures, the connecting posture, and the waving posture; c) the choreography of the finale. The final stage was to design how to use the stage. The play used in this creation was written based on Aniruth Khamchan, using metrical structure of poem in Ayutthaya Period. The music used in the performance included Hoh Song, Baolud Shan Diew Song, and Cherd Song, performed by Pi Phat Khreung Ha Ensemble. The costumes were designed according to the royal wardrobes in Ayutthaya Period.