The Transformation of Hun Krabok Puppets from Central Thailand to Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

This research aimed to study the transformation of puppet show in the central Thailand to the puppet show of northeastern part through the tropes Rodsirinilsil and Petchnongrue. The research methodologies included documentary, field data collection and interview. The results were presented as followd: 1) While Rodsirinilsil troupe applied stories from Thai traditional literatures, plots of Petchnongrue troupe were mainly adapted from Northeastern folklores, and added some jokes to the stories. 2) Rodsirinilsil’s body of puppets were similar to that of the Thai royal puppets, while Petchnongrue troupe makde its puppets much more simple by using accessible materials such as plastic pipes. 3) Although Petchnongrue troupe adapted its costumes from costumes used in a Central Thai puppet show, the troupe makde them more casual according to a simple way of life of people in the Northeastern region of Thailand. 4) While Rodsirinilsil troupe used only Thai musical instruments in Thai traditional music ensemble, some western musical instruments and Isarn local instruments weree integrated in the shows of Petchnongrue troupe. 5) While Rodsirinilsilp troupe’s stage props were exquisite artworks which were similar to what appeared in Thai murals, some gadgets in everyday life (e.g., cell phones) were used in shows of Petchnongrue troupe. 6) The Rodsirinilsilp troupe’s puppet theatre looked like a performing stage of Thai royal dance drama while the theater of the Phet Nongrue troupe was relatively similar to a ‘Mor Lum’ (local folk performance) stage. 7) The movement of the puppets in a show of Petchnongrue troupe was more similar to human movement, unlike Thai classical stylized movements of the Rodsirinilsilp troupe. In conclusion, the transformation of characteristics from Central Thai Puppetry (Rodsirinilsil troupe) to the northeastern one (Petchnongrue troupe) signified the transformation from Thai central “dance theatre” (i.e., lakhon Nok) to northeastern local performing arts. The shows of Petchnongrue troupe also reflected the simplicity, fun-loving, and the cultural openness of people in the Northeast of Thailand.