Ticket prices for Tanachon Chandruang’s new play The Snow Doesn’t Fall On The Equator at Democrazy Theatre Studio may vary — a “donation according to your capacity” is the only standard. And though some might say this devalues the play, Tanachon said art cannot be evaluated, and the production should be judged by its quality, not by how much a ticket costs.
A great-grandson of Thai classical maestro Luang Pradit Phairoh (Sorn Silapabanleng), it comes as no surprise that the 29-year-old has been involved in theatre since he was young, composing music, scriptwriting and directing. He now teaches acting and scriptwriting.
Tanachon is also involved with the Moradokmai Community Theatre , an educational theatre troupe founded by his father, and has travelled to many countries, including India, Nepal, Austria, Germany, Brazil and the US.
His new play is inspired by Albert Camus’ The Misunderstanding. Tanachon first encountered the book three years ago, when he took part in directing it in Democrazy Theatre Studio’s Demo Classic Project. At the time, he kept many of the elements of the original work, but now, working with director and playwright Sornchai Chatwiriyachai, he has given a new twist and colour to the play.
“Camus’ story is about a young man who has been separated from his family since he was very young,” Tanachon said. “When he comes back, his mother and sister are running a guest house. He doesn’t reveal himself, but instead chooses to wait and see if anybody would recognise him. He keeps waiting and waiting until things get a little out of hand and he is killed by them. My play is set in the Khao San Road area, and I use the bustle and commotion of the tourist area to stand for blurriness and uncertainty instead of Camus’ use of fog in France’s winter.”
The title The Snow Doesn’t Fall On The Equator comes from the idea that you shouldn’t fool yourself into believing something impossible. What really interests Tanachon about the play is the protagonist’s masculinity in dealing with his mother and his wife.
“I think the sister is someone who is between the mother and the wife. I think this is really great because it explores the love of a man in various ways. What I like the most about this character is how he’s the type of guy who tries to take care of everybody that he loves without neglecting his own dream.”
Working with concept designer Chertsak Patumsrisakorn, Tanachon is creating a real Khao San Road-style bar, complete with foreigners and sexy waitresses, in front of the theatre, which audience members will walk through before entering the guest house in which the story takes place.
“We are going to come up with a lousy live band like those in the Khao San Road area and I’m going to play the drums myself,” he said.
- The Snow Doesn’t Fall On The Equator runs Feb 27-28 and Mar 1-3 at 8pm at Democrazy Theatre Studio.
- Call 081-655-8873.
