The Creation of Contemporary Isan Folk Dance of Roiet College of Dramatic Arts

Abstract

        The creation of contemporary Isan folk dance is a development plan of Roi Et College of Dramatic Arts that has been continued since 2009. The Isan Lai Mangkon show is the creation of a show which combines principally the two cultures of Thai-Chinese people in the Northeast in terms of performing styles, dancing styles music, costumes, and props. This research aimed to analyze the concept, the process of creating contemporary Isan folk dance of Roi Et College of Dramatic Arts. Research data was collected from documentary investigation, observation, and interview with a sample of 20 people that consisted of experts in the field of Isan folk dance, teachers, professors, and performers. Research results were presented by means of a descriptive analysis.

        The research results revealed that Roi Et College of Dramatic Arts created contemporary Isan folk dance entitled Isan Lai Mang Kon in order to tell the story of the way of life of the Chinese people from the beginning of the journey from China to the land of Siam and settled in the Northeast, doing business, labor until having improved-economic status and prosperity in life that leading to happiness, comfort, wealth, and stability. This show has a blend of performing techniques according to international standards resulted from new techniques. The show style is a story mixed with dance by combining the gestures of Chinese dance and the gestures of Thai dance, props were used for conveying the symbol that emphasized beauty, unison movement, variety of row variations, and emotional expression contributed excitement but it still retained the Isan folk dance as well.