The drama program of Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts joining Khon Kaen University Cultural Center to inspire young Isan actors and actresses as well as transfer the lifestyles and culture of Isan people in “Kaen Isanwat” the creative drama to promote art and culture acted by secondary school students. The drama was in the contest for a trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
The first Isan Creative Art and Cultural Promotion “Kaen Isanwat” of 2019 was held from June 1 to September 21, 2019. The contest took place at the theater of Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts of Khon Kaen University on September 21, 2019. The ceremony on that day was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyom Wongpongkham, Vice President for Art, Culture and Creative Economy of Khon Kaen University. The competition was joined by a lot of schools in the, only Northeast. However, 6 schools were able to enter the final round. The results are as follows:
First Prize: Nakhon Khon Kaen School, Khon Kaen – “Path of Faith – Sat Montra Isan”
First Runner-up: Uthanepattana School, Nakhonpanom – “Hoi Heet Yo”
Second Runner-up: Nampongsuksa School, Khon Kaen – “Lam Nam Pong Lam Ploen”
Honorable Mention Award: Lamplaimaswittaya School, Buriram – “Moon Mang Isan” and Khon Kaen Wittaya School, Khon Kaen – “Phra Lap”
Outstanding Script: Nakhon Khon Kaen School, Khon Kaen – “Path of Faith – Sat Montra Isan”
Outstanding Presentation: Uthanepattana School, Nakhonpanom – “Hoi Heet Yo”
Outstanding Leading Actors: Nakhon Khon Kaen School, Khon Kaen – “Path of Faith – Sat Montra Isan”
Outstanding Supporting Actor: Lamplaimaswittaya School, Buriram – “Moon Mang Isan”
Outstanding Group Actors: Nampongsuksa School, Khon Kaen – “Lam Nam Pong Lam Ploen” Outstanding Art Works: Uthanepattana School, Nakhonpanom – “Hoi Heet Yo”
Outstanding supplementary music: Rongkham School, Kalasin – “The Faithful Sound of Gunshot”
Distinguished Isan Art and Cultural Promotion Drama: Nampongsuksa School, Khon Kaen – “Lam Nam Pong Lam Ploen”
The judge committee comprised: Professor Pornrat Damrung, an expert in drama and contemporary shows from Thai Cultural Foundation; Asst. Prof. Dr. Tanatporn Kittikong, an expert in drama art; Ajarn Mallika Tangsangop, an artist and expert in performance art and directing stage drama; Khun Nikorn Saetang, the 2010 Silapatorn Artist in performance art; Khun Sumalee Suwannakorn, President of Isan Art and Cultural Network. Before the final announcement, 12 representatives from the 6 schools shared their experience together under the topic “Kaen Isanwat”, the forum was moderated by Khun Chutinan Panjarung, a public relation officer from Division of Communications, Khon Kaen University.
Ajarn Pachaya Akkaphram, a lecturer from the performance art program of Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts as the secretary of the project management team revealed that this project was organized to build a creative learning space for Isan art and culture based on drama art. The point is to promote and support this learning space towards production of art and cultural products that reflect the young generation. The project also enabled exchanges of knowledge and experiences in contemporary Isan art and culture among academics, culturalists, artists, pupils and students and project participants. The event created awareness in conservation and restoration of Isan art and culture among the new generation who are interested in contemporary and creative art and culture. The winning team will have a chance to be granted an audience with HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. From the interests and appreciation received this year, there will be another contest next year in 2020. Secondary schools in Isan can catch up with the news and join the project from: www.kku.ac.th
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyom Wongpongkham, Vice President for Art, Culture and Creative Economy added that even though the foundation of Isan art and culture is strong, the present situation of much unlimited acceptance of international cultures has taken the key roles in our lifestyles. This makes the young generation become less interested in their own community’s cultural heritage. The modern culture has grabbed spaces in all media and built a lot popularity until there is a fever of foreign cultures in Thailand. These entering cultures can be seen in the type of drama (the so-called series) since they are easily accessible by all from the man-made devices that respond to their needs for entertainment. Therefore, to make the young generation understand the foundation and bases of Isan wisdom and culture, the Cultural Center and Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts see the importance in making the youth understand the value and importance of local art and culture until they reach the ‘essence’ of these. It is expected that the young generation will be able to communicate the true concepts to other people. They will use this kind of performance art to construct their knowledge through creative processes and contemporary drama acting. This project therefore truly promotes Isan art and culture. The youths have been found not only appreciating Isan culture through their action, but also finding their own aptitude for their future education and hence their professional direction.
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News: Chutinan Panjarung
Photos: Nattawut Jaruwong
[ Thai ]
