With its scenario pertaining to the current situation in Thailand, this is a good chance for the classic novel character Mae Ploy to educate young audiences about history, as Si Phaen Din: The Musical will stage at Lhong 1919 from Friday until Dec 15. It's an adaptation of MR Kukrit Pramoj's classic novel Si Phaen Din (The Four Reigns).
Standing on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, this tourist attraction was the thriving trade pier before being modified as a mixed-use community space last year. To mark its 100th anniversary, Lhong continues its collaboration with Scenario to set up a creative outdoor theatre, showcasing a colourful water-screen backdrop with light and sound effects.
"Following the success of Lod Lai Mangkorn: The Musical last year, we want to present the chronicle of our Chinese ancestors, who moved to Siam with hopes of a bright future. Si Phaen Din is an idealism that can relate to the legend of the Wanglee family," Rujira Wanglee said.
Directed by Takonkiet "Boy" Viravan, this is his fourth production of Si Phaen Din -- after performances in 2011, 2014 and 2017 -- recounting the story of Mae Ploy, who lived through the reigns of King Rama V to King Rama VIII. During the show, audiences can learn how Thailand has managed the political, social and cultural changes through Mae Ploy and her family -- it's like us living through two reigns of the Chakri dynasty and encountering several conflicts.
"We want young audiences to come and learn the history of Thailand. They will see what their grandparents have passed. It's a mission that we should know our roots, " said director Takonkiet.
Based on the original, Mae Ploy is a passive lady but in 2019 audiences will see Mae Ploy is more active. She's still soft and calm in the beautiful manner of Thai women, even though Thailand has adopted several cultures.
"It's an interpretation. Mae Ploy is Mae Ploy. But it doesn't mean that Mae Ploy in 2011 will be similar to Mae Ploy in a version of 2019. The heart of the story is still the same, but the details and dialogue will be enhanced to relate the way of life in the present," Takonkiet said.
"Many people might criticise that it's different from what they read. But the fact is that MR Kukrit Pramoj liked to learn new things and discuss with young people to share ideas. I think that he will be proud of our performance."
This year Sinjai "Nok" Plengpanich once again returns as Mae Ploy, alongside other veteran and young artists like Kraingkrai "Oui" Ounhanan, Radklao "Tongneng" Amaradit, Kullatida "Jib" Aksornnun, Patarapon "Ron" Tooun and Unnop "Por" Thongborisut.
Sinjai 'Nok' Plengpanich once again takes the starring role of Mae Ploy.
"I already starred as Mae Ploy three times. Audiences might wonder if Mae Ploy is the same as the previous versions. Absolutely. The outline is like the original but an interpretation has changed. The dialogue will be revived to look contemporary," Sinjai said.
"Mae Ploy is an important and detailed character, who makes me understand our country while acting. The challenge is that this is an outdoor performance and I have to play Mae Ploy at every age. It's hard work, even though I got experience of performing in outdoor spaces in Lod Lai Mangkorn: The Musical last year. "
Last year, the Wanglee family's old-aged mansion had morphed into a dazzling setting for Lod Lai Mangkorn: The Musical to reflect the traditions and lifestyle of the Chinese family.
This year, Lhong will upgrade its facilities and expand the theatre space to accommodate up to 1,100 people, while the Chao Phraya River will become a breathtaking backdrop, in which audiences can explore Siam from the past to the present.
"Fifty percent of the outdoor theatre is to sell an atmosphere, so audiences will get an exotic experience. Last year, we were worried about how to touch the hearts of audiences but the fact was that the outdoor theatre gave the feeling of reality," Takonkiet said.
"This year, audiences will be delighted with a breathtaking backdrop of the Chao Phraya River that has been the vein of Thais for more than a century. With the classic design of the buildings, audiences will feel like they're roaming around the old town of Bangkok, dating back in the reign of King Rama V. "
Si Phaen Din: The Musical runs from Friday until Dec 15 at Lhong 1919, Klong San district. Tickets range from 1,500-7,000 baht, available at Thaiticketmajor and Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre. For more information, visit Lhong 1919 page on Facebook.
