Evolution of Performing Art Criticism in Thailand

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to investigate the evolution of performing art criticism in Thailand from documents (both primary and secondary sources) and interview to a number of specialists. It was found that performing art criticism is an intellectual activity whose evolution has coexisted with Thai performing art dynamics. The evolution can be divided into 2 periods: pre-westernization period and post-westernization period. During the pre-westernization period, criticism was in orally “gossipy” form and it was done to those involving and not involving in performing art society. The style and pattern were not similar to criticism in the western world. The post-westernization period began in the reign of King Rama IV and became obvious in the reign of King Rama V. Law, content, pattern, creation and appreciation, and criticism in written form were emerged in this period. At the beginning, criticism was mainly presented through printed media and gradually evanescent. At the present, criticism appears in new channels of media. Performing art appraisal has been performed in forms of review, award, and competition. After the educational reform in Thailand, Thai performing art was divided into “classical drama” which restricts to traditional performing convention and “dramatic arts” which is influenced by western dramatic style. This division results in different criticism paradigms. Anyhow, criticism helps develop Thai performing art and highlight value of performing art to the audience.