The love that catches between

Democrazy Theatre Studio has since last Thursday been staging its second production from the Demo Homemade Series, an effort to bring experienced theatre makers and newcomers together with accessible performances. “Chuichai Sanaeha”, directed by Bhanbhassa Dhubthien, proves to be a darkly charming result.
“Chuichai” in Thai classical dance refers to the solo when the demon Benyakai assumes the form of Rama’s wife Sita, before feigning death and trying to fool the benign prince into hopelessness.
In a broader sense, “chuichai” means transformation from one identity to another. The Pichet Klunchun Dance Company has used the term in performances addressing the changes in modern Thailand.
In “Chuichai Sanaeha”, Bhanbhassa uses the word to allude to the way certain identities are more often caught between the transformation from being who society thinks they should be to being who they really want to be. Continuing from her previous play “The Odd Couple: the Queer Version” from the same project, Bhanbhassa again tackles the topics of relationships and homosexuality.
Thailand, with its famous transgender cabaret shows, might appear to be one of the most LGBT-friendly countries. The Health Ministry has conceded that homosexuality is not a mental illness, and bans on gay and transgender people serving in the military or donating blood have been lifted. Nevertheless, putting laws and political correctness aside, many gay and transgender people still face challenges in their daily lives that heterosexuals don’t.
“Chuichai Sanaeha” comprises three stories of three generations, woven together by links hidden between characters and Suthep Wongkamhaeng’s song “Sanaeha” (which means “desire” or “attraction”) from the 1960s. “My first love left me bruised and in tears,” it laments. “If there is a second time, I might have to die.” These lines are repeated, both sung by the characters and as an enchanting soundtrack arranged by sound artist Sinnapa Sarasas.
The first story narrative is inspired by the true story of classical dancer Pranote Visetphat and his lover Cheep, who brought “the love legend of the pair coffins” into being. Although Pranote was allegedly the most beautiful transgender in Bangkok, he was never comfortable in his male body and was constantly jealous of the “real” women around Cheep. The distress led Pranote to commit suicide. Cheep followed suit to prove his true love.
The other two narratives revolve around a family at different times. In 1993 Wat found himself heartbroken as he tried to maintain a “normal life” with a wife and a child while clutching onto his true love, a man who is slipping away. In 2013, after years of strained relationship, his teenage son Anont finds out from his mother why she couldn’t accept him for being gay and kept calling their old house the place where people had been doing evil deeds.
The plot, written by Parida Manomaiphibul, is cleverly presented as fragments alternating between the past and present. The flashbacks are done in style, never confusing and giving just enough room for the audience to connect the pieces from the three narratives themselves. The entire cast is commendable for its acting. Sanchai Uaesin, as Pranote’s transgender friend Ann, steals the limelight with his powerful voice whenever he sings.
Witwisit “Pitch August” Hiranyawongkul, as Anont, seemed nervous at first on opening night but picked up quickly and impressed the audience, just as he did in the film “The Love of Siam”, with his subtle expressions and endearing personality.
Bandit Kaewana sheds his sassy self completely and truly embodies the vulnerable, demure Pranote. I also almost didn’t recognise the experienced actor Pramote Sangsorn. As Cheep, he looked and sounded exactly like a taxi driver, and touched me the most with his honest portrayal of an innocent man who would go to extremes for his love.

BROKEN HEARTS
“Chuichai Sanaeha” runs until August 5 Democrazy Theatre Studio in Soi Saphan Khoo. Shows are at 8 nightly except Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tickets cost Bt550 at the door and Bt500 if purchased the day before. Seats are selling fast. Find out more at (081) 498 7660 and Democrazy’s Facebook page.