“LAO CHUEN PHI” : SIGNIFICATION AND ROLE OF SONG ACCOMPANYING DRAMA PERFORMANCE

Abstract

“Lao chuen phi” is the name of a Lao accent Thai song with a double rate tempo (Song chan) and is commonly performed in a praying or blessing scene of theaters or performances. Through qualitative research, the study revealed that lao chuen phi has the length of 4 measures played in the low musical scale (Thang phiang o lang) without transposition. This musical pattern and traditional practice are in several records, texts, theaters. Lao chuen phi is used in praying or requesting the presence of deities in theaters such as theater plays written by H.R.H. Prince Naradhip Prabandhbongs, Lakon Phra Lor (Act I, The Royal Grandfather Enters the Palace) and Sao Krua Fah A Musical (The Wedding Scene); and the play written by members of The Royal Fine Arts department, Lakon Pantang Phya Phanon (Act II, Favourable Omen). Moreover, the study showed that the interpretation of the word ghost or “phi” in the olden Thai society has a different meaning from today. While this generation regarded “phi” as a ghost or an unholy symbolic, in the olden days, “phi” had a meaning of gods or sacred things and holy beings in ancient religions.