The Creative Process of Thai Song Dam Performing Arts: “From Dien Bien Phu to Mahaisawan City”

Abstract

This article examines the creative process of the Thai Song Dam dance drama “From Dien Bien Phu to Mahaisawan City.” Data were collected from five types of documents - books, textbooks, journals, newspapers, and related materials - along with observations of performances and rituals of the Thai Song Dam community at the Thai Song Dam Cultural Center, the Panthanom Museum (Ajarn Thanom Khongyimlamai), and the Thai Song Dam ethnic community in Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi Province. The researcher’s personal experience as a member of the Thai Song Dam community was also integrated into the study.

The findings revealed seven creative steps: 1) conceptualization: depicting the migration of the Thai Song Dam from Dien Bien Phu to Thailand in a light and sound drama; 2) character development: dividing roles into the Thai Song Dam, political authorities, and the Siamese royal court; 3) script and music composition: featuring songs and dialogues in the Thai Song Dam language with Thai, Vietnamese, and Western musical blends; 4) costume design: adapting the Tohk mourning robe with added length and silver accessories; 5) prop design: using bamboo-woven crafts; 6) set design: recreating four key locations: the Siamese royal court, Kwang Toup house, the Vietnamese city gate, and Phra Nakhon Khiri; and 7) choreography: combining traditional Thai Song Dam dance with contemporary interpretations inspired by daily life and rituals. This performance serves as both a historical learning process and a means of preserving the cultural identity and traditions of the Thai Song Dam people.