“Khaek Daeng”, The Principal Clown in the Like-pa by Denchai Sanguansin Troupe in Phatthalung Province

Abstract

Abstract

          The like-pa is the traditional theatre of the mainland of southern Thailand. Though its origins are unclear, it’s thought to have been created by Thai-Muslims from islands in the Andaman Sea, and then spread by Thai-Buddhists to regions along the gulf coast, including Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phattalung, and Songkhla. Until recent times, the like-pa remained popular mostly in the coastal regions of the Andaman Sea, including Trang, Phang Nga, and Krabi provinces. Today however, there is only one like-pa troupe remaining, which performs in Phattalung province. The most important and appealing character of the like-pa is the clown called Khaek Daeng.
          As performed by the Denchai Sanguansin troupe, the following elements are required to perform the role of Khaek Daeng: (1) formation of performance, (2) musical accompaniment, (3) costume, and (4) transmission. Whether this character can be performed in the future is unknown, as it seems there are no more apprentices learning it. One purpose of this study is to revitalise the techniques and performance of Khaek Daeng, and promote the tradition of like-pa.

Keywords: khaek daeng, principal clown, the like-pa