Characters’ Transformation and Disguise in Thai Classical Dance

Abstract

The goal of this qualitative study was to investigate the phenomenon of characters' metamorphosis and camouflage in Thai classical dance, with a particular focus on King Rama II's Thai court drama literature. The author amalgamated information from several sources, including literature, academic materials, self-education, teaching and performance experiences, observation, and expert interviews. The author employed both inductive and deductive criticism to examine the data, which involved categorizing information, conducting analytic induction, and validating the findings with specialists. We have once again verified the dependability and accuracy of our findings using triangulation. We also used an analytical depiction to showcase the data.

The discovery revealed that the term "disguise" refers to altering one's physical appearance through modifications in their name, haircut, and clothing while keeping other characteristics such as voice, demeanor, and gender unchanged. Conversely, "transformation" is a comprehensive alteration in every facet of the character, encompassing their physical appearance, vocal qualities, personality, and even their gender. People often attribute transformation to supernatural forces or deities, believing it occurs at the cellular level. Three distinct stages are involved in portraying a transformational character: the pre-transformation phase, the transformation process itself, and the post-transformation phase, which successfully emulates the character. Thai classical dance employs diverse aspects to achieve the metamorphosis and concealment of characters, thereby enhancing the realism and clarity of the performance. We can group these elements into eight distinct categories: The elements included in the performance are as follows: 1) the script, which dictates the actions and dialogue; 2) the casting of actors for the roles; 3) the incorporation of songs and musical instruments, including the sounds used in the performance; 4) the choreography and movement of dance; 5) the designated space for the performance; 6) the props used during the performance; 7) the costumes worn by the actors; and 8) the lighting design. Thai classical dance incorporates character transformations and disguises, allowing choreographers to creatively interpret and develop a diverse range of dance forms. Dance performances may exhibit distinctive styles and methods. It enhances the aesthetic appeal, captivation, vibrancy, and popularity of dance performances, making them more visually stunning, engaging, diverse, and frequently sought-after. The spectators derive pleasure from watching their preferred performers execute elaborate choreography and portray intricate characters with precise motions. The artists faced an extremely difficult challenge in depicting these characters. Despite the altered appearance, the fundamental nature of the character's personality remains unchanged.