Creative Dramatic Arts Performance: Kanomtanodsuk

Abstract

The purposes of this research are: 1) to study the history and the process of making a sweet palm dessert unique to the Ban Rai Krang community, Rai Saton sub-district, Ban Lat district, Phetchaburi; 2) to create a dramatic arts dance series “Kanomtanodsuk”, meaning sugar palm cake. It is one of the famous sweets in Phetchaburi with a delicious taste and color and a unique method of making. The dance of Kanomtanodsuk is intended to represent the local and provincial identity in Phetchaburi, enabling it to become more widely known. The style is contemporary, combined with the gestures of the villagers making Kanomtanodsuk. This show's duration is 7.33-minutes long and is divided into 3 parts. Part 1 is called “Harvesting and Peeling Sugar Palm”, which illustrates the harvest of the sugar palm for use. The sugar palm must be ripened and naturally falls from the tree. The outer layers of the palm will be peeled off to reveal the yellowish flesh inside. Part 2 is focused on “The Process of Making Sugar Palm Sprouts”. This involves sifting the palm flesh, mixing the flour with the raw materials, folding the banana leaf or 'krathong', and setting the steamer for cooking the cake. Part 3 is “Creative Dance Show, Khanomtanodsuk”. The dance stages the finished steamed sugar palm cake pieces and their joyful arrangement in a pan or basket, using actual palm cake in the performance.