Queer History in Thai Contemporary Dance A Case Study of Narai Avatara

               The article Queer History in Thai Contemporary Dance: A Case Study of Narai Avatara is part of a doctoral thesis entitled “The creation of contemporary dance based on gender diversity” of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Chulalongkorn University. The researcher has used the case study research methods by selecting the dance performance, Narai Avatara directed by Naraphong Charassri at Main Hall, the Thai Cultural Centre during February 2-4, 2003 as a case study. This research focuses on elements and concepts of contemporary dance creation demonstrating queer identity and connotations. The results of this research are the guidelines of the creative process of contemporary dances to represent concepts of queer and gender diversity for further research. The research tools are: literature reviews, interviews with experts involved in dance creation, direct experience of the researcher participating as a performer in this case study, participation in symposiums, data collection and fieldwork studies. The collection of information occurred during August 2015 – August 2016. The researcher concluded that the history and the concepts of queer including the aspect of gender diversity are part of the creative process of Narai Avatara. This can be explained as performance elements including: 1) Performance script 2) Performers 3) Choreographic process 4) Costume design 5) Music 6) Stage and scenic design 7) Props 8) Lighting design. Moreover, the research found that the concept of queer in this performance is connected to 3 different aspects: 1) Individuality or identity of the creator 2) Guidelines for the use of gender symbolism 3) Reflecting gender diversity in contemporary Thai society through dance. These results and mentioned aspects are all in accordance with the research objectives.

Credit :  สรร ถวัลย์วงศ์ศรี // นราพงษ์ จรัสศรี

https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/irdssru/article/view/214239