A complex of genres

Index Creative Village’s third theatre production in as many years is significantly different from its predecessors, “Rak Ther Samer” and “Mae Bia”, in that it’s neither a musical nor based on any existing story. Rather “Mon Dam Complex 3D” is entirely new and that in itself is reason for applause, as it demonstrates that Thailand’s most successful event organising company prefers not to follow a formula for success but lives up to the “creative” in its name.
Unlike the previous works that were penned by one seasoned writer, six wordsmiths of varying levels of experience joined forces in writing the script for this show. And since they can hardly be expected to think alike, the result is a fun play that lies somewhere between comedy, romance and black magic – that is, it’s almost hilarious and nearly romantic, but not quite there.
Having frequented theatre for almost three decades, I have never come across a good production with more than two playwrights – and in most cases they live in the same house.
Thai audiences love watching mixed genres of theatre, TV dramas and films but one genre needs to be dominant to help the viewer travel along the road before making any detours. The recent blockbuster “Pee Mak Phra Khanong” is a good example of this: a laugh-out-loud comedy to begin with and horror and romance later added to the mix.
Seasoned acting coach Oraphan “Khru Bew” Arjsamat, who has been behind many critically praised movie performances, and her assistant Napak Trichareondej, who worked with Khru Bew in her acclaimed stage play “Dek Piset”, have been assigned the difficult task of directing this massive show, and they deserve much credit for setting it at a fine pace, making the characters and situations believable and bringing smiles to the audience.
But again, the script is the performing world’s blueprint and one cannot build a perfect house out of a flawed one. And so at the end, the play’s main message, a poignant comment on Thai people’s belief in the spiritual and the supernatural, becomes blurred.
Each audience member is given 3D eyeglasses at the entrance only to be disappointed when they discover the eyewear is only necessary in two short scenes. In fact, one has to wonder why we would want to watch short 3D films in a theatre production, which is already three-dimensional. Another much-hyped technology is the use of laser beams, which are not really that stunning. Two characters even make fun of them when they invite audience participation. This is again a reminder that theatre audiences prefer exercising their imagination and enjoy sharing time and space with actors to technology that they can experience elsewhere and in other media.
Tony Rakkaen shows much improvement from his performance in last year’s “Langkha Daeng”. And even though he’s performing a dead man here, he’s all flesh and blood and his concentration makes his character of a small restaurant owner and chef even more charming. In a rare stage appearance, Rachawin Wongviriya has a compelling and credible presence as a fashion designer although I wish she could relax more and simply let what happens around her instigate her reactions.
Award-winning actor David Asavanond’s portrayal of a spiritual leader is colourful though he is never comfortable in any of his musical numbers.
Three scene stealers, and of course the audience’s favourites, are Puttachad “Tuitui” Pongsuchat, whose jokes never fail to drew laughter; Kong Chakapan who, unfortunately, seems to have been asked to repeat what he did successfully in last year’s “Mae Bia” as the main female character’s best friend; and another stage veteran Wattanachai Treedecha, whose two minor characters are credibly distinctive and equally hilarious.

LAST CHANCE
“Mon Dam Complex” has three more performances – 7.30pm on Friday and 2 and 7.30 on Saturday at M Theatre. It’s in Thai with no English surtitles.
Tickets are Bt800 to Bt 1,800 at ThaiTicketMajor. For more, visit “Index Creative Village” on Facebook.