Correlates and Characteristics of Troop Reviewing Dance Postures of Male Protagonists in Khon and Royal Court Drama

Abstract

This study is concentrating on both similarities and differences characteristics of choreography on protagonists during military parade inspection in Khon and royal drama, also known as Lakorn-Nai. The study utilizes qualitative research by collecting a number of documents, relevant researches, exclusive interviews and instruction from the professionals in order to examine the choreography of the main actors in both Khon and royal drama, particularly for character of Rama in Khon and the character of Enau, also known as Raden Inu, in royal plays. The study found that the objective for choreography corresponding to the parade inspection scene, before the war will be declared, is to demonstrate the advance dancing skills of the two main characters. The correlated and the specific styles of the mentioned choreography can be distinguished into three different aspects which are the components, procedures of the performance and the choreography itself. These findings not only reflect the tradition and the authentication in each Thai performances but also differentiate the dancing patterns between Khon and royal drama which long ago elaborately fabricated by the dancing inventors.