THE ACTING TECHNIQUES EMPLOYED IN THE ROLE OF VASSAKARA BRAHMIN : A CASE STUDY OF ASSISTANT PROFESSOR DR. JULACHART ARANYANAK

Abstract

       This study aims to achieve two objectives: 1) To explore the background and role of Vassakara Brahmin in the play Samakkhiphet and 2) To study the acting techniques used by Asst. Prof. Dr. Julachart Aranyanak in playing the role of Vassakara Brahmin. The study gathered information through interviews, and observations of Asst. Prof. Dr. Julachart Aranyanak’s performance from a video recording of the play “Samakkhiphet,” presented by the College of Dramatic Arts in 2023. The findings indicate that Vassakara Brahmin is the main character in the play “Samakkhiphet.” He plays three main roles in governance: 1) Serving as an advisor to King Ajatasattu in the Magadha Empire, 2) Acting as a judge and legal advisor to Licchavi kings in the Vajji Empire, and 3) Serving as a teacher, imparting arts and knowledge to the princes of Licchavi kings in the Vajji Empire. These roles reveal two contrasting perspectives on the character of Vassakara Brahmin. For the positive perspectives, he is patriotic with great self-sacrifice, is mindful and cautious, keeps secrets, is patient in order to achieve goals. In terms of negative perspectives, Vassakara Brahmin is seen lacking ethics of teaching profession by exploiting his students and having no mercy. He is also ungrateful to his benefactors. Furthermore, the acting techniques which Asst. Prof. Dr. Julachart Aranyanak employed in playing the role of Vassakara Brahmin comprise 1) Studying the script to gain deep understanding, 2) Analyzing the character’s background, personality, gestures, and traits, 3) Designing emotions, facial expressions, and body language to align with the script and poetic rhythm, 4) Using consistent vocal tone and emphasizing key words in dialogues, 5) Memorizing scripts to boost confidence in performance, 6) Rehearsing, practicing movements with fellow actors in order to be consistent on stage, and 7) Playing the role of Vassakara Brahmin through self-expression with a belief in that character.