A Comparative Study Performing of Phu Thai Ethnic Group of Traditional and Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts

Abstract

The objectives of this research were first) to study the traditional performance of the Thai ethnic group, second) to study the Thai ethnic group display patterns of Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts, and third) to compare the performance patterns of the Thai folk ethnic groups and Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts. The data was obtained by collecting documents and interviewing local scholars and personnel in Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts, observing and focusing group discussion. The data was analyzed qualitatively by the researcher. The research results were presented descriptively, analyzed and used case studies from local samples. The samples were selected by purposive sampling, including knowledgeable groups, practitioners, and stakeholders. The research results indicated that: 1) The traditional Phu Tai Kalasin dance form in all eight Kalasin provinces, there are only six districts still preserve the local Phu Thai dance. While, the other two districts dance during the merit-making ceremony, with people from the other villages entering the dance for them. At present, the Phu Tai Kalasin dance of the villagers has developed a form of showing a pattern. 2) The Phu Tai Kalasin dance of Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts has been applied and improved by the college for conservation and improvement. The dance was adapted from dancing artificial woman in the treatment of the sick to adjust the posture to be meaningful, beautiful, with style in the expression of the performance and music was unique to the Thai ethnicity group. Furthermore, the college has adjusted and added the dance posture to create a beautiful style. The teachers of the Dramatic Arts Department recomposed, developed, and modified the lyrics by adding lyrics of Thai people with Thai Ban accent to compose, add music in punctuation according to the importance of the lyric. The uniqueness, landmarks, and tourist attractions in Kalasin Province were brought together as lyrics for the Phu Tai Kalasin dance performance using the same Phutai melody. 3) Comparing the Phu Tai Kalasin dance to the folk style and the Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts has similar and different aspects, which were: Aspect 1, The dance. Aspect 2, The row variation of Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts had five types. As for the villagers' rows, there would be 1 to 2 styles and, there would be no row variations between the dances. Aspect three Music, Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts used a folk band to perform. Villagers used the CD player and the Phu Tai Kalasin dance music CD player instead of playing live music. The same part of the Phu Thai dance performance, folk style and style of Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts was the dress and melody used for the Phu Tai Kalasin dance performance. The dress, melody, and language used in the Phutai Kalasin dance show were the symbols that best represent the Thai ethnic group.