National artist Supravat Pattamasuit is passionate about preserving Thai performing arts.
Olaman Baan Por Phan promises to incorporate a range of traditional Thai performance arts in the one show.
His upcoming production combines a variety of them for what has been defined as a play-cum-likay, titled Olaman Baan Por Phan, which will be staged this weekend at the Bangkok National Theatre.
"I want to change the perception of Thais, particularly youngsters, who think that traditional Thai performing arts are out of date," said Supravat, also known by his nickname as Por Eed. "Today, there's an appreciation of other cultures, like Western and Korean, and we may have overlooked our own cultural heritage."
The stage play will present various phleng (music) including phleng choy, phleng e-saew, phleng ruea as well as lam tad and likay.
"These traditional performing arts offer different flavours for a lively show. They generate sanook [fun] and the audience can sing and dance along with them and have lots of fun," Supravat said.
The plot revolves around the staging of a school show that challenges students to perform likay. At first, they refuse to do so, but later discover the value of their cultural heritage.
Besides directing the show, Supravat also takes the leading role. The cast includes artists from the Fine Arts Department as well as professional likay performers. Joining them are leading theatre actors and the country's top comedians.
