Selection and Adaptation of Chinese Chronicles to the Scripts of Thai Classical Dance Drama by Luang Phatthanaphongphakdi

Abstract

This paper aims to study how Luang Phatthanaphongphakdi selected and adapted Thai translations of Chinese chronicles for creating Thai classical dramas. This is an important method which made this genre of drama suitable for actual performance. The study shows that the selection method, including both the selection of stories and chapters, created varied and enjoyable stories for the dance dramas. The adaptation method included the modifcation of form, content, characters, and even presentation. The dramas became more concise and had greater continuity, and earlier and newer methods of presentation were blended. The dance dramas, therefore, were a new genre of drama and are important examples of the plays in the reign of King Rama V.