Queer History in Thai Contemporary Dance A Case Study of Narai Avatara

Abstract

The article Queer History in Thai Contemporary Dance: A Case Study of Narai
Avatara is part of a doctoral thesis entitled “The creation of contemporary dance
based on gender diversity” of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Chulalongkorn
University. The researcher has used the case study research methods by selecting the
dance performance, Narai Avatara directed by Naraphong Charassri at Main Hall, the
Thai Cultural Centre during February 2-4, 2003 as a case study. This research focuses
on elements and concepts of contemporary dance creation demonstrating queer
identity and connotations. The results of this research are the guidelines of the creative
process of contemporary dances to represent concepts of queer and gender diversity
for further research. The research tools are: literature reviews, interviews with experts
involved in dance creation, direct experience of the researcher participating as a
performer in this case study, participation in symposiums, data collection and fieldwork
studies. The collection of information occurred during August 2015 – August 2016.
The researcher concluded that the history and the concepts of queer
including the aspect of gender diversity are part of the creative process of Narai
Avatara. This can be explained as performance elements including: 1) Performance
script 2) Performers 3) Choreographic process 4) Costume design 5) Music 6) Stage and
scenic design 7) Props 8) Lighting design. Moreover, the research found that the
concept of queer in this performance is connected to 3 different aspects: 1) Individuality or
identity of the creator 2) Guidelines for the use of gender symbolism 3) Reflecting
gender diversity in contemporary Thai society through dance. These results and
mentioned aspects are all in accordance with the research objectives.