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Dance and Theatre
Friday , July 18 , 2008

Previews, Interviews, and Reviews (yes, and Photos) of Dance and Theatre in Thailand (well, and elsewhere) written by "The Nation" dance and theatre critics
Permalink : http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/danceandtheatre

Posted by dance_and_theatre , Reader : 695 , 00:30:18 | Category : Theatre 2008

Both Thai and English titles of this play are eye-catching to most, even shocking to some-"Wao Thi Thuk Chak" ("The Masterbator"). However, young director Tanachon Chandruang—the oldest son of theatre guru Janaprakal “Kru Chang” Chandruang—and Moradok Mai Theatre Troupe do not aim to shock their audiences, but teach them a good lesson.

This is a dramatic adaptation of a true story in 2000 when a private video tape of a high school girl's sexual activities with her boyfriend went public and became one of the favorite online downloads. She committed suicide and the story made the headline of national tabloid newspapers.

"To begin with, it's heart-breaking for me when I found out that the girl in the video clip I was watching was already dead," says Tanachon of his first inspiration to begin this project.

While other mass media focused their attention on the outcome of this scandal, this live and intimate medium concentrates more on the process leading to it. The plot focuses on a group of boys who are making a porno video clip and are in search of a "lead actress." When "The Masterbator" premiered at a small cafe' on Phra Athit Road last November as part of BTF08, The Nation gave it two highest recognitions. Well, they put this on their poster, so we're quite honoured.

First was for the performance by leading actor Wirawat Phaimani, a student at Moradokmai Home School whose sincerity in his performance outshone many of those older, and supposedly more professional, than him; and second for the direction by Tanachon, which, despite the play's strong subject matter, was tasteful and astute, and his actors were very natural on the stage.

Tanachon tells us that this revival is a more complete version of the play, although it may not be as provocative as the one we watched last year.

"This is actually the version we wanted to do back then, but there were space and time limitations during the festival. We're using three actresses instead of one, but, syntactically speaking, it seems like all boys are the same, and so are the girls—it's like various incarnations. Despite this, the through line of action remains intact."

All the nine performers are current students of Moradokmai Home School, which has already been certified by Ministry of Education. In this unique boarding secondary school in Pathum Thani's Klong Hok supervised by Kru Chang, each student's curriculum is designed specifically, and focuses on the use of dramatic arts in classes.

"From our conversation, I notice that they've significantly matured over the years, and I'm sure that they're not just lured by the glitz and glam of theatre. This play, for example, is part of their health studies course."

Notwithstanding the play's strong language and mature situations, the director wants everyone to be able to watch it and, unlike television and movies, would not set audience's age restriction.

"There will be a post-show conversation between the audience and the cast and crew after all performances [for those parents who start to wonder this is a play for their kids]. The play's main message is simple: please stop being selfish. I'd like the audience to carefully reconsider their actions as some of them may actually be evil. I think this is a duty of all mass media."

Xtra

"The Masterbator" performs this Saturday (July 19) and Sunday (July 20) and again on July 26 and 27 at Makhampom Studio (BTS: Saphan Kwai), at 2pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets are Bt 200 (Bt 150 for students), bookable by calling 02 616 8473.

www.MoradokMai.com
written by Pawit Mahasarinand
published in Daily Xpress on Friday, July 18, 2008
photos courtesy of Moradokmai Theatre Group