United we do not stand

With the National Artist herself at the helm of the productions, occasionally performing in them and oftentimes collaborating with other renowned professional artists, the Patravadi School’s annual stage production has given a whole new meaning to the “school play” for the last four years. Unlike most student efforts, the youngsters at this private school work hand-in-hand with teachers on all aspects of the production, both on and off the stage, including designing the poster and programme. And as this is not a performing arts school – though many people think it is – Patravadi “Khru Lek” Mejudhon carefully selects the source material for each year’s production, making sure that her students can apply it to as many classes as possible. 

Following contemporary adaptations of Thai literature classics like “Viva Phra Samut”, “Rocking Rama” and last year’s “Vetal”, Khru Lek’s adaptation of Chit Burathat’s “Samakkhi phet khamchan” (“Chant of the Ununited Nation”) opened over the weekend at the Vic Hua Hin.

“Teaching Thai literature to the students these days, I find that they’re not interested in it partly because the language is very difficult, even for me, and partly that they can find little relevance to here and now,” Khru Lek tells XP.

“Then, most exams seem to only test them on basic information like the name of the writer and the synopsis. Literature is also about the beauty of language and those who want to excel in performing arts need to have great language skills. And so in this annual project, I use my performing arts skills in helping them understand Thai literature better – and it helps me as well.

“Chit Burathat’s ‘Samakkhi phet khamchan’ is short and yet it needs careful and deep analysis in order to fully understand it. Its themes are related to Buddhism, which I’m also teaching here.

“We started working in June, rehearsing once a week, all day, and added more rehearsal time in the evenings as the performance time approached. It’s also a good training in discipline and physical exercise for the students, and for me as well – it’s like an indoors PE class,” she laughs.

Based on a story during Lord Buddha’s time, “Samakkhi phet khamchan” tells how King Ajatashatru of Magadha city used trickery to destroy the unity of the people of Vajji city. King Ajatashatru then beat up and exiled Watsakara Brahman – performed by Khru Lek herself – from the city. King Litchawi of Vajji accepted the wounded Brahman with mercy and assigned him to teach the princes and princesses. The break-up of unity started with these young people and then spread far and wide, and in the end Vajji was easily conquered by Magadha.

Back in October, Khru Lek and I were at the Toki Arts Week in Nanjing where we watched – and were enthralled by – a classical Indian dance performance and workshop by Hyderabad-based master Kala Krishna. At Khru Lek's invitation, Krishna was at her school in December, teaching not only student performers but also Silpathorn artist Manop Meejamrat who’s portraying King Litchawi as well as creating dance choreography for the production.

Given the English title and considering our political turmoil, one wonders if this production is slightly political. To that, the national artist answers, “People are welcome to come up with their own interpretation of course. There is, for example, one scene where students get free tablet computers.”

That’s another reason I’m planning a quick weekend getaway to Hua Hin.

 

TWO MORE WEEKENDS

- “Chant of the Ununited Nation” continues on Saturday and Sunday and February 13 and 14 at the Vic Hua Hin. Shows are at 7.30pm on Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays. It’s in Thai with some English translation.

- Tickets are Bt400 (Bt200 for students). Call (089) 255 0002 or visit www.PatravadiSchool.com.