A ritual revived

IN A TRIBUTE to His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the supreme patron of the country’s cultural heritage, the unique ritual used in the initiation of Thai classical dancers is being brought to life in a mixed media play.
Titled “Khrob Khru”, in remembrance of the presiding teacher, Arkom Sayakom, it’s being staged this Wednesday and Thursday at the Thailand Cultural Centre and is based on Arkom’s life. A Thai dramatic artist and expert with the Fine Arts Department, he overcame several obstacles in his life and ensured the smooth continuation of khon, the masked performance art, as the country moved from absolute Monarchy to democracy in the 1930s.

The importance of the ritual was underlined in October 1984, when the late King presided over the presentation of khon masks and head gear to five newly appointed presidents of the "traditional paying homage ceremony" for khon and other dance dramas following the unexpected death of Arkom, who had not prepared anyone to fill his shoes.
Finding the replacements could not have been an easy task, as to achieve this prestigious position, the individual must not only have great expertise in his field, but must also be of the highest moral character, merit the respect of society and have been ordained as a Buddhist monk. Traditionally most veteran masters were very careful in choosing “worthy” pupils for the initiation ritual, who were expected to have acquired a certain standard skill or competence, and they jealously guarded their manuscripts of the rituals. Even today, novice-dancers of khon and lakhon are granted initiation only after they have mastered the slow-tempo and fast-tempo dances and are considered competent to appear on the stage in such minor roles as army offices or ladies-in-waiting. The ritual itself is always performed on a Thursday, which in Thailand is “Teacher’s Day.”

The stage play is directed by Damkerng Thitapiyasak and his team featuring Pasuthep Kanchanasrisilp and Karan Limparatanakiri, who are working alongside dramatists Natcha Boonsuebwong and Pongthep Pho-nimdang.
Dr Chulachart Aranyanak plays Arkom as an adult while TV actor Pudit “Non” Suriyawong portrays the teacher as a young man. Pijitra “Pang” Kongsorn takes on the role of Pilai, Arkom’s wife, as a youngster while Ajarn Bunnak Trantranon portrays her in her older years.
Associate Professor Dr Kittisak “Noom” Kerdarunsuksri, who is in charge of the play, suggested young Pudit for the part and introduced him to Damkerng, who by coincidence had written the script for Pudit’s first movie, “Roommate”.

Pudit, who had earlier attended a performance art workshop, says he was very surprised to land the role.
“It’s an enormous challenge to portray an experienced and skilled professional performer. I immediately started practising performing arts with the masters and learning the correct pronunciation of old words,” says the young artist, who has been in constant rehearsals since November.
He feels lucky to have been selected and says he has learnt a lot from the experience.
“‘Khrob Khru’ is my first stage play,” he says with a smile. “I have always loved the theatre but never thought I’d have a chance to perform.”
Pijitra “Pang” Kongsorn, who has considerably more stage experience than her young stage husband, is equally enthusiastic about “Khrob Khru”.
“The play will present HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s duties, a fight for love, a dream for heritage and country, and the King’s special attention to the preservation of all forms of Thai arts. Most importantly, the King brought khon and lakhon back to life again,” says Pang.
The play is being produced as part of the “Sounds of Love” project, a collaboration between the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Office of the Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office, to commemorate the benevolence of HM the late King as the Great Artist.

Coming Soon
- “Khrob Khru” takes place at Thailand Cultural Centre on Wednesday at 2.30pm and Thursday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
- Admission is free but reservations should be made in advance at http://soundsoflove.rmutp.ac.th/#/ or by calling (02) 665 3777 |extensions 6320, 6508