The Dynamics and Preservation of the Legend of Mae NakPhrakhanong in Current Entertainment Media

Abstract

         “The Dynamics and Preservation of the Legend of Mae Nak Phrakhanong in current Entertainment Media” is qualitative research aiming to study the common and different features of various versions of the tale type Mae Nak Phrakhanong and to analyze how social and cultural contexts affect the reproduction and remake of the legend of Mae Nak Phrakhanong, using the performance-centered approach of folklore studies, the tale type-analysis approach and the functional approach of folklore studies. The research is based on the content study of three versions of the fictional media Mae Nak Phrakhanong, together with in-depth interviews of the scriptwriters of those versions.

          It is found that the legend of Mae Nak Phrakhanong in current entertainment media from movies to plays and TV dramas is based on the same plot with different narratives, such as background framing, characterization, extension, reduction, and modification of the details according to the context in which it is presented as well as the collective memory of the people in society. The dynamics of the tales presented through communication process at different times and via different media are related to the social and cultural contexts in five aspects: the concept of ghost and feminism, the concept of ghost and monks, the concept of ghost and public health, the concept of ghost and military conscription, and the concept of ghost and otherness.

          It is noted by the researcher that the reproduction and remake of the legend of Mae Nak Phrakhanong shows the collective memory reflecting the craving for justice which has been a chronic problem in Thai society so far.