Lai-La: The Creation of Contemporary Nora Performance Based on Stanislavski’s Method of Acting

Abstract

This research aims at creating “Lai-La,” a contemporary Nora performance based on Stanislavski’s Method of Acting. The performance is expected to realistically and persuasively express characters’ objectives, conflicts and feelings. This study used various methods of analysis including literature reviews, interviews and observations. The information gathered is then used for producing the contemporary Nora performance “Lai-La.”

The research reveals a new method to create a contemporary Nora performance based on Stanislavski’s Method of Acting. The researcher has chosen the traditional Nora “Krabi-Tee-Tha” performance from Nora Thammanit Sanguansil Troupe as a case study. It is evident that actors could apply their personal experiences to access characters’ moods, leading to a more realistic and convincing performance, as found in a stage play. The process can be explained as follows. The first step is the creation of a new character, which is Peacock, considered as the main source of conflict, resulting in a fight between two Nora hunters. This would not only make actors more focused on the performance’s objective, leading to a more practical performance eventually, but it also makes audiences become more engaged, as they hope the hunters successfully catch Peacock, or look forward to seeing what will happen next. Secondly, there was a creation of new dance moves using improvised dance moves, derived from actions and movements of local performances. These were based on actors’ belief in the characters’ needs and conflicts. After the dance moves are analyzed and properly groomed, the performance will finally be more intense, more meaningful and clearer for the audience. The last process is song selection. This includes selected songs and folk musical instruments contributing to more interaction with performers using the improvisation technique. These would make the performance more flexible and flowing. Moreover, the expression of characters’ feelings is considered more “realistic” due to the harmonious combination between music and performance.