The co-creation process of Wat Bandon’ s Shadow Puppets: Fostering contemporary Arts in the community

Abstract

This article is part of the research project titled “Performance Creation as a Creative Cultural Endeavor for the Community: A Case Study of Contemporary Shadow Puppetry in Phra Aphai Mani—The Episode of Sudsakorn Catching Ma Nil Mangkon.” The study aims to collaboratively develop a contemporary shadow puppet performance with the Wat Ban Don shadow puppet troupe in Rayong Province. A practice-based research methodology in the performing arts was employed, incorporating data collection through interviews, experimental choreography, and puppetry techniques conducted by the researcher. The outcomes from the laboratory phase were reviewed and refined in consultation with traditional artists, leading to script revisions for the final performance.

The research findings present a co-creative process with the traditional artists, who are cultural custodians, through three key stages:

1. Script Development: The script was adapted from the renowned Thai poetic epic Phra Aphai Mani, specifically the episode Sudsakorn Catching Ma Nil Mangkon. The characters include the protagonist (Sudsakorn), the antagonist (Ma Nil Mangkon), a supporting character (the hermit), and an ensemble of various sea creatures.
2. Choreographic and Puppetry Experimentation: Three shadow puppets were crafted—Sudsakorn, Ma Nil Mangkon, and Sudsakorn catching Ma Nil Mangkon. The researcher designed choreography based on the concept of pas de deuxto highlight the dynamic interplay between characters. The movement vocabulary featured chasing, pursuit, grappling, forceful engagement, riding, and combat.
3. Collaborative Rehearsals and Performance: The experimental materials were integrated into rehearsals with the Wat Ban Don troupe. The script was refined under the guidance of Master Ampai Boonrod, the troupe's leader, with musical elements incorporated to align the choreography with the troupe’s stylistic traditions. Mr. Mana Luangpon and Mr. Akkarapon Choengkrai supervised rehearsals and stage direction.

The final performance was presented to audiences at the Wat Ban Don Shadow Puppet Museum and in local community venues. These performances aimed to foster community engagement and cultural continuity through contemporary adaptation.