Vic Hua Hin presents Viva Pra Samut, a play based on the literary work of the same title by King Vajiravudh, or Rama VI, about a ruler of a fictitious island during a time of tremendous social change.
Viva Pra Samut is on view every Saturday in December at Vic Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, show time is 7.30pm. Tickets cost 500, 700 and 900 baht (half price for students). For reservations, call 032-827-814/5 between9amand 5pm.
The monarch wrote the book to urge and educate his subjects to work towards peaceful social change and exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with issues confronting them.
Forced to choose between old and new ways and pressured by domestic and foreign influences, the plot hinges on whether the monarch will make a sacrifice and marry his daughter to the god of the sea, as is the custom. If not he faces retribution. If he goes ahead, he risks toeing a line no longer valid in contemporary society. The play calls on viewers to thoroughly weigh important social choices in order to create an intelligent, compassionate and progressive society.
The play is performed by students and teachers of Patravadi Theatre in Bangkok, run by Patravadi Mejudhon, to expand knowledge of Thai literature, music and culture among the younger generation.
Costumes and the set are designed by Ruth Pongstaphone, a Thai-American based in New York, assisted by the students of Patravadi School in Hua Hin. The music is arranged by Thai composer Anant Narkkong.
