Ramakian in Modern Performance: A Way to Cope with a Cultural Crisis

Authors

Kittisak Kerdarunsuksri

Publication Date

2003-01-01

Abstract

In the Bangkok period, the literary classic Ramakian has been reproduced again and again, either in literary forms or performing arts. This literary piece has been reinvented many times, particularly in the course of cultural crisis so as to demonstrate the glory of Thai culture. Although Ramakian is still able to be seen in the form of traditional theatre, i.e., khon (a masked dance-drama) in particular, it was also re-created in modern theatrical form during the mid-1990s, during which a cultural campaign was promoted by the government. This paper focuses on three modern theatrical productions of Ramakian: Rama-Sida (1996), Nonthuk (1997), and Sahatsadecha (1997), The paper addresses the question: why was this classic re-created in modern performance and how was the story revised to make it fit into today's society.

First Page

24

Last Page

46

Recommended Citation

Kerdarunsuksri, Kittisak (2003) "Ramakian in Modern Performance: A Way to Cope with a Cultural Crisis," Manusya, Journal of Humanities: Vol. 6: No. 5, Article 2.
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/manusya/vol6/iss5/2