The Creation of Dance Reflecting Ethnic Identity of Thonburi Side : Bangkok Thonburi

Abstract

The creation of dance reflecting ethnic identity of Thonburi side art work titled “Bangkok Thonburi” has been inspired by the identity of the people who lived around the west Chao Phraya River for its diversity, common point , and the multicultural lifestyle. The purposes of the study were to investigate and analyze the information of the ethnic groups within Thonburi area and to create an art work of contemporary dancebased on the information. Qualitative research methodology was employed. The data were collected through related documents, interview, conversation, observation, and performance practices. The results of the study revealed that the performance plot has been divided into 3 phases as follows. Phase 1 was about the diversity of ethnic groups. Phase 2 showed the diversity of religions. Finally, phase 3 illustrated how people lived together. The music was combined between the new written rhythm and modified from the original ones, by using synthesized voice and Thai music instruments together from the beginning to the end of the song. There was also the use of language music instruments in order to enhance the feelings of such ethnic groups accents. In addition, the sounds that referred to religions have been designed and used for the appropriate performance. The performers included 9 females who were acknowledged about Thai dancing and Thai creative dancing. The performers’ clothes 1) according to the Thonburi women’s clothes which included breast band textile with long sarong. Each performer had one textile, 1 x 2 square meter, as the clothing and performing prop 2) Design and create modern clothing based on ethnic clothing that communicates symbolic identity,as well as the movements with Thai dancing together with daily life routine movements. Marching and arch were also included in the performance in order to emphasize the importance of symbolic communication. Lights designs were about using glimmer growing to become off-white. The show has a running time of 7.39 minutes.