The Buddhist Views in Thai Contemporary Performing Arts

Abstract

This research aims to study Buddhist performing arts media in terms of their artistic forms, style and the religious perception reflecting through the presentation of stage plays, TV dramas and movies. The research applied qualitative methodology by purposively selecting 30 samples from the 3 forms of media (10 pieces for each). The reseach found that 1) freedom of creation and nature of each media affect the creativity and the way Dhamma is represented: stage plays prioritise experimentation and creativity the most, follows by movies, while television plays have a number of restrictions, resulting in the use of recurring forms and didactic approach with simple direct Dhamma instruction; all of which are opposite to stage plays that mostly present Dhamma by using teaching-without-instructing-techniques; whereas movies concern “Dhamma presentation” moderately.  2) the media, in general, opt to present Dhamma in ethical aspects (Lokiya-dhamma) rather than presenting natural truth (Lokuttara-dhamma) by focusing on “Gharāvāsadhamma” (i.e. sin, merit, morality and Karma), the theme which are presented via tevelision plays the most, while stage plays opts for wider messages up to Lokuttara-dhamma; and movies present mix messages. 3) The media producers reveal both positive and negative attitudes towards Buddhism: movie producers have the most optimistic ones, by tending to glorify those representative characters of the religion; while stage-play producers have the most pessimistic attitudes, presenting the religion in the way of questioning, reinterpreting or criticizing defects in the religion, which aims to balance faith with wisdom.