Khuen Na Klong Rong Pantun: Creativity of Pantun in Lamtat Performance

Abstract

This research studied the creativity of pantun in Lamtat performances. From 2018 to 2023, secondary data were recorded from videos and primary data recorded from Lamtat performances by participant observation of celebrated historic and current Lamtat troupes. Sixty verses were analyzed and categorized in creating pantun in Lamtat performances. The results were that three characteristic composition styles exist for Lamtat pantun poetic forms: Malay pantuns, Thai poems, and other types. The creation of pantun in Lamtat may be categorized in two aspects: 1) pantun vocal styles in different nations, Malay-Thai songs, traditional Thai songs, Thai verse songs, lullabies, modern Thai songs, and newly composed works using and introducing traditional Thai songs, as well as writing new lyrics; and 2) creating pantun content exhibiting three miscellaneous categories of creativity including expressing love between protagonists, revering sacred objects, receiving honors, and imparting moral teachings as well as themes about humility and promoting Lamtat. These findings suggest that creative dynamic values vitally sustain Lamtat in today’s continually evolving cultural landscape.