Nong Mon Market Female Vendors: Identity Communication Process of the Elderly through Biographical Play

Abstract

The aim of this creative theatrical process, as practice based research, is to study the identities of elderly female vendors at Nong Mon market in Chonburi province. The objective of the research is to create a play based on the biographies of the elderly female vendors at Nong Mon market by using the theatrical process to compile their selected stories. This will not only strengthen the spirit of the elderly female vendors at Nong Mon market, but also encourage the audience to consider the value of the elderly in society. The working processes consisted of three stages: the pre-production process – surveying, classification and interviewing the elderly female vendors at Nong Mon Market; the production process – script writing and play directing; and the post-production process – post play talk and questionnaires given to the audience. The findings reveal that the elderly female vendors at Nong Mon market are ones who have inexorably overcome obstacles of life. In conclusion, the theatrical process can shape and strengthen the spirit of the elderly, and make the audience appreciate the value of the elderly in society as well.