THAI ROYAL DRAMA : A KNOWLEDGE OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

Abstract

This research aims to study the format and succession method of court dance drama (Lakhon Nai) as well as the status of court dance drama in Thai society, in order to raise awareness of Thai dramatic arts network to preserve the court dance drama as Thailand’s cultural heritage. The methodology used is qualitative research, by studying data from various documents, evidences, interviews, and observations. The data is analyzed, summarized, and validated through focus group discussion, then it is presented in documentation format.
The results show that, the format of court dance drama focuses on the art of elaborate dancing, beautiful and strictly adhere to traditions. Succession method of court dance drama is considered to be the unique wisdom from skills and experiences of practitioners, which can be divided into: 1. Direct experience through performances which accumulated through time into profound knowledge,          2. Indirect experience by learning from others such as instructors, experts, and performance directors, in which the format and succession method are personalized according to individual.
As for the status of the court dance drama, it can be summarized into 4 phases: 1) Under the patronage of the King, 2) Under the patronage of the royal family, 3) Under the supervision of government agencies, 4) Integrated in higher education system under the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. It is also found that, about 48 educational institutions organize the practice of Thai dramatic arts in the royal court dance style, but with only a series of scenes that does not require much time. There are only 15 educational institutions that organize the practice of the whole performance episode, which takes longer time. In conclusion, the status of court dance drama is likely to be at risk of extinction in the future.