Sudsakorn sets off in search of his father

“Sudsakorn: The New Adventure” brings to the stage the youthful hero of “Phra Aphai Mani”, written long ago by court poet Phra Sunthorn Vohara. And, fitting with our times, he brings an environmental message for young viewers.
“My main aim is to put on world-class production for kids with a strong story that will stimulate their imaginative powers,” says Kriangkan “Mok” Kanjanapokin, co-chief executive officer of Index Creative Village.
“The play really is world-class, featuring hi-tech like video mapping and lasers, as well as kinetic installations, which have never been seen here before. We use kinetic technology for several characters, such as the jellyfish.
Phra Sunthorn Vohara (Sunthorn Phu) wrote the story during the reign of King Rama II and it’s been adapted as a live-action fantasy movie (in 2006), an animated TV series and an animated film. This is the first time it’s been staged as a play.
Sudsakorn is the son of Phra Aphai Mani and a mermaid, born on Koh Kaeo Pisadan (Magical Island), but he’s never seen his father. Once he’s grown, he sets out to find him.
He begs a hermit to teach him martial arts as protection against dangers along the way, and the hermit also gives him a flying horse-like creature called Ma Nil Mang Korn to hasten his journey.
A naked man they encounter on the way steals Ma Nil Mang Korn and tries to kill Sundsakorn by pushing him over a cliff, but the boy survives and hunts down the nude attacker, thrashing him in combat. Sudsakorn’s triumph draws the attention of the king, who decides to adopt him. But Sudsakorn eventually grows restless and resumes his quest to find his real father.
In Part 1 of the play, “Thong Pa Pisaj” (“Explore the Demon Forest”), the forest is being destroyed, endangering the resident wildlife. Part 2, “Pa Wal Puad Thong” (“Whale Has Stomach-ache”) notes that human litter in the ocean harms marine creatures.
Seats cost Bt500 to Bt2,200 at www.ThaiTicketMajor.com and (02) 262 3456.