Buddhism In Contemporary Theatre

[sabaijai]

Patravadi Theatre presents an innovative morality play

Buddhist philosophy, Thai and Japanese dance traditions, intense percussion and neo-classical music merge with the wails of Thai and Western violins in “Eclipse”.

Patravadi Theatre’s latest blend of traditional and contemporary dance and musical traditions from the East and the West is sure to intrigue theatregoers who thought they had seen it all, fusion-wise.

Young director and choreographer Manop Meejamrat has developed an impressive knowledge of various Asian theatrical traditions over the past decade and the 90-minute dance-music-drama spectacular, which extols the merits of the Four Noble Truths, has plenty of thoughtfully combined sights and sounds.

“Eclipse” maintains a brisk tempo, courtesy of an energetic beat on Northern sabat chai drums, which were traditionally used to psyche up Siamese soldiers before they went to war. Yet, the drummers in wide-legged, kimono-like trousers, with whitened faces move to the slow rhythms of a butoh dance.

The nine-act show kicks off in the dark with drums beaten with bamboo mallets. The loud percussion represents the racket traditionally made during an eclipse to scare away the demon Rahu, who is believed to have swallowed the sun. The director also uses drummers to represent how Buddhism strives to deliver humanity from ignorance.

The narrative in Thai and English by Patravadi Mejudhon explains how the uncertainty in the sky and the darkened stage reflect humanity’s struggle to overcome desire and fear, an important theme in Buddhism.

Manop trained under Patravadi for almost two decades and, in this production, shows how he has imaginatively built on his tutelage. His “neo-Thai” style of dancing features not only the delicate hand and foot movements if Thai dances but also energetic Western dance styles and slower butoh rhythms. Manop learnt the traditional Japanese dance from a prominent exponent, Katsura Kan, who lived in Thailand a few years ago.

Manop’s talents shine through in the dance he performs in the act entitled “The Moon”. And his innovative choreography is seen in Sarawut Marthong’s representation of “The Human”. Although better known as an actor in films such as “Last Love”, Sarawut puts on a good show, making full use of his expressive face. Television actor Napaskorn Mit-aim as “The Sun” also impresses with his skilful drumming.

The music of “Eclipse” is no less multifaceted and matches the shifting moods of the action onstage. Music director Ratchasak Rueangchai makes creative use of the klui (Thai flute), drums, sor duang (a Thai stringed instrument), the classical violin and even a monk’s bowl for collecting alms.

Attractive costumes of Thai silk and cotton by designer Chanon Naksrisuk add to the lustre of the main characters, setting them apart from the more humbly attired cast of villagers.

The attention of the audience may flag at times when the pace of the play slows or the narration takes too long but that does not detract from the merits of “Eclipse”.

As darkness and silence return to the stage at the end of the last act, the performance’s message and the unique style in which it is delivered remains imprinted on the minds of viewers.

By Phatarawadee Phataranawik

ECLIPSE

Show date : 19th February 2005 onwards (every Saturdays and Sundays)

Showtime : 7. 30 pm

Tickets : 1000 600 400 Baht

Booking info : 0 2412 7287-8

Narration in Thai and English by Patravadi .

[sabaijai]

Eclipse

Restage

19th February – 29th May 05'

A contemporary rhythm moving across the face of traditional Thai drumming and dance.

Everything moves in circles and cycles – we find them in nature, in science, in life, in the philosophy of Buddhism. From Quantum mechanics to a monk chanting, everything moves in a constant flow, everything is related to everything else. What happens during an Eclipse, when one element moves across and over another? There is an ancient belief that an Eclipse brings about dramatic change, intense events both positive and negative. This idea is found at the heart of ECLIPSE –orbits are brought to life on stage, through drumming, dance, and drama.

“ ECLIPSE “ finds it's origins in the many forms of classic Thai drumming as seen from a contemporary point of view. Different styles come together to form something never heard before. Out of this new rhythm, a dance is born – bringing together classic Thai and contemporary Western, exploring the orbits and cycles of existence. Traditionally in Thailand, when an Eclipse occurs, anything and everything becomes a drum – rhythms are banged out in order to scare the moon away, so that it will not eat the sun. People thought it could be the end of the world. Now, due to scientific discovery and advancement, we understand what is actually happening during an Eclipse, and a new style of performance can happen. When the orbit of the moon crosses the sun, brilliant rings of light are seen. When a contemporary rhythm crosses traditional forms, stunning events occur on stage.

from Thaiticketmaster