Symbolic Analysis of the Dance Creation Reflecting the Kuman Thong belief in the Thai society from the Semiotics Theory Perspective

Abstract

This article on the symbolic analysis of the dance creation
reflecting the Kuman Thong belief in the Thai society from the semiotics
theory perspective is part of a research entitled “The creation of a dance
to reflect the Kuman Thong belief in the Thai society” aims to identify the
dance creation style that can reflect the Kuman Thong belief in the Thai
society through a study of the Thai belief in Kuman Thong. The research
findings formed the basis for the creation of a dance performance that
reflects the Thai perspective of Kuman Thong belief. Semiotics theory was
adopted as the basic concept that was primary to the designing of
symbolic representations of Kuman Thong belief in the dance creation.
Such designs were considered a vital component of the theatrical props
for the perfection of the dance performance. The research was based on
the creative and qualitative research methods of: 1. Documentary
research; 2. Interviews of informants with relevant knowledge on the
research topic; 3. Examination of relvant information media; 4. Field
survey; 5. The research analysis was based on the artistic standard; 6. The
researcher’s experiences; and 7. A search for approriate symbolic codes
for the dance creation.
The study found Roland Barthes’ “Semiology” to be a suitable
theory for the assigning of meanings to the dance’s theatrical props that
allowed interesting interpretations of the dance performance. Such props
were designed with recognition to the relevancy and association of their
symbolic meanings in the Thai Kuman Thong belief. Symbols such as a
bed, red fluid substance and children’s toys were chosen for their express
as well as implied meanings. For example, the express meaning of a bed
is that of a furniture used to support a sleeping person while its implied
meaning is that of the onset of a pregnancy and the end of a fetus’ life
when it is turned into a Kuman Thong as depicted in the Thai literature of
Khun Chang Khun Paen.