The Creation of a Performance Script from Keinnara in the Tai Yai’s Folk Tale

Abstract

The article on the creation of a performance script from Keinnara in Tai Yai’s folk tale was part of the doctor of education dissertation at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University under the topic “the creation of a dance from Keinnara in Tai Yai’s folk tale.” The purposes of the research were: 1) to analyze and synthesize information relevant to this research to find an approach to create a performance script from Keinnara in the Tai Yai’s folk tale; and 2) to create a performance script from Keinnara in the Tai Yai’s folk tale. This research emphasized studying and analyzing relevant information, then created a performance script from Keinnara in Tai Yai’s folk tale by using both quantitative and creative methods. The researcher used the following tools: researching documentary information, interviewing people relevant to the creation of the work, surveying field information, obtaining data from the researcher’s experience in participating in the play as an actor and in a seminar, etc.

The researcher found that the use of magic "if" to create a performance script and playing the character facing several set situations resulted in elements of the play as follows: 1) sequence of a unified story telling which was divided into five parts; 2) human character (Tai Yai) and five Keinnaras with various dimensions of personalities and emotions; and 3) scenes and atmosphere of the performance which was set in the “Himmapan Forest.” The elements could be used to produce a successful work according to the roles and duties. In this regard, the performance script which was created conveyed the value of Keinnara which was connected to beliefs and faiths in Buddhism of Tai Yai.