PUPPETS JOIN THE DA:NS

Most of us would never consider nang yai, the traditional Thai large puppets dating back to the 13th century and predating khon, as a form of dance. Yet the puppeteers, who are in front of the screen in full sight of the audience manipulating the nang with their two arms while moving their legs, are a reminder of how dance, theatre and music form a happy family in our traditional performing arts.
Bhanbhassa “Khru Ning” Dhubthien, who teaches acting and directing at Chulalongkorn University, has been applying her expertise in Western dramatic arts to revitalising the ancient art form, working with the young performers who make up the Nang Yai Players at Wat Ban Don in Rayong’s Muang district.
“I should note that Patravadi ‘Khru Lek’ Mejudhon and Manop ‘Khru Nai’ Meejamrat had earlier done tremendous work helping this troupe back on their strong feet. I started working with the troupe four years ago when I joined their trip to perform at an international puppet festival in Sweden,” she says.
“My main task has been finding ways to inspire these young performers – and we’re talking about Thai teenagers who can quit performing anytime to get married – to feel part of the characters and stories they’re telling as well as to simply enjoy performing.”
Khru Ning was thrilled to be invited to take part in this year’s da:ns festival, which runs from October 19 to 28 at Singapore’s Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
The festivals many free events include the Nang Yai Players of Wat Ban Don from October 19 to 21.
“A programming officer from the Esplanade watched the show and enjoyed the naturalness and the rawness of the performers,” says Khru Ning.
“Since we’re performing three short episodes, 30 minutes each, we have to make some edits to the traditional script and music. And Burapha University’s Sanchai Uaesin, who’ll also be part of our music ensemble, has been a great help.”
Other highlights in this year’s festival, under the theme “love”, include butoh company Sankai Juku’s “Tobari – as if in an inexhaustible flux”; “Aspects of Love: An Evening of Ballet” featuring stars like American Ballet Theatre’s Gillian Murphy; Paco Pe