The Dance Drama “Buang”: The Creation of Concept and Style of the Performance from the Jataka Tales

Abstract

This article is a part of a postdoctoral thesis, The Creation of a Dance Drama “Buang.” The objectives of the study are to create a concept of a dance drama “Buang” and to create the elements of a dance drama “Buang.” Basic data were studied from related books, textbooks, research and theories, including interviews with experts. All data then were gathered, analyzed, and synthesized to create the concept and style of the dance drama “Buang.” The results of the study are presented as follows.The concept of the performance of a dance drama “Buang” consists of 1) the inspiration from Venerable Acariya Mun Bhuuridatta Mahathera, who is the prototypeof prosperity in the Dharma inapplying the philosophy of religious teachings and guiding the world through learning the Parita Jataka, and 2) the concept of creating a mixed drama in a new style from the traditional and newly improved dance drama to create religious learning and promote to other regions of the country widely. The creation style of the dance drama "Buang" is a mixed dance drama which brings the distinctiveness or uniqueness of each type of the dance drama to blend together. It includes traditional dance drama and newly improved dance drama to create new styles of a dance drama. The styles of the performance are as follows. 1) The script used in the performance is newly composed.2) For the prelude, there is a rite to pay respect to the master and a chant before the performance like Lakhon Nora-Chatri. 3) The continuity is fast and the dialogues resemble Lakhon Nok. 4) The dance movement includes the dance describing the beauty of a woman, the dance along the lyrics, and the dance showing the skills according to the traditional Lakhon Nai. 5) The costumes resemble Lakhon Phan Thang and Lakhon Sepha. 6) The background in the theater resembles Lakhon Duek Dum Ban. 7) There are male and female performers. 8) Multimedia technology in various forms is integrated in scenes, lighting, and sound.