GATES OF TIME: SITE-SPECIFIC ART DANCE TO PROMOTE TOURISM IN THE OLD TOWN OF SONGKHLA

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Abstract

The creative work “Gate of Time: Site-specific Art Dance” aimed to create performance art in site-specific art dance to support public relations for tourism of Songkhla. The history of Songkhla Gate and the cultural traces of people living in the old town area of Songkha were studied. Reflecting the importance of being a port city, the old town area of Songkha is a source where people from different cultural groups live together in harmony until it becomes the identity of Songkhla city. The findings of this study were used as a guideline for creating performance art process in site-specific dance form. The show told about the Songkhla Gate area and the cultural traces of the past that still exist in the old town area of Songkhla. Folk music in the upper south and lower south combining with international music and Chinese music were used in the show performed by 4 actors and 4 actresses. Designing costumes was based on the concept of minimalism but great value. The blue tone was chosen to convey calmness and firmness of the people of Songkhla. Batik cloth was brought to decorate as a symbolic medium of southern culture. Choreographed dances which were designed in relation to local stories included Western dramatic dance, Malay dance and natural structure of dance and movements. The show lasted 5 minutes.