State of Knowledge in Modern Theatre in Thailand: Knowledge Synthesis from Related Research

Abstract

The objectives of this study are, firstly, to draw the state of knowledge in modern theatre in Thailand through the research synthesis process and, secondly, to provide recommendations on the future research direction. The study has applied meta-ethnography for
synthesizing 45 theatre research reports. The result reveals that in terms of research methodology there are two ways of conducting research: practice-based research (e.g., creative research, performance research, and experimental research) and non-practice-based research on theatrical phenomena or practices of performers (mainly applying Humanities methods including interpretation and signification as well as qualitative social research methods). In terms of knowledge, it is found that knowledge in applied theatre and theatre/performance making is most produced. The second most produced is knowledge regarding the deconstruction and
adaptation of classical literature into a form of contemporary theatre. Another group of knowledge is a study of historical, political, and cultural aspects of theatre/performance, while the least produced group of knowledge is theatre/performance management.
In terms of recommendation, based on social phenomena, applied theatre research could potentially play a more vital role in society. Besides, based on the aspect of the national economic development policy, creative economy and cultural economy
become new tendencies to the national development in which modern theatre can play a part. Therefore, research on theatre/performance management as cultural management could likely become more important in the future.