The Creation of Dance Compositions of Pan Tha Na Nu Sa Ti

Abstract

This research consists purposes were to create a dance thesis entitled Pan tha na nu sa ti through the study of Buddhist symbolic teachings embedded in the Mat Tra Sang ritual. This study employed qualitative and creative research methodologies. The research instrument was an interview form and the target group consisted of 8 participants selected through purposive sampling. The data collected from the interviews and related documents were subsequently analyzed using content analysis. The research findings indicate that the Pan tha na nu sa ti performance is heavily inspired by the chants used in the funeral rites, which contain significant Buddhist philosophical meanings emphasizing the importance of recognizing the impermanence of life. These chants are recited while the sacred threads are tied around the deceased's body Putto Khive (meaning children are the ones binding the neck), Bhariya Hatthe (meaning wife/husband are the nooses binding the hands) and Dhanang Pate (meaning wealth is the noose binding the feet), respectively. These chants are then presented in a tangible way through dance. The performance incorporates newly designed dance movements, utilizing 27 performers. The performance is divided into three parts: Part 1 addresses death as an unavoidable truth. The second part depicts the binding of the shroud, which has symbolic meanings or philosophical riddles signifying liberation and severing the bonds of all attachments and worries. The third part portrays the guiding of the soul across the cycle of reincarnation and karmic ties, leading it to a blissful afterlife. The performers wear newly designed costumes and beautiful makeup in the style of traditional Thai dance and folk performances. Props include flags depicting the Buddha, deities, angels, birth, aging, illness and death. The performance uses a blend of Northeastern Thai.