What’s the background to this production? I’ve always wanted to do something with the classic tale of Kaew Nah Mah. It’s interesting to note that the story doesn’t really have a happy ending like most people think. How can you be sure that the protagonist, who was born with a horse-like face, is truly happy when a magical hermit turns her into a beautiful woman, just to make a prince happy? Are we afraid of being ourselves in order to please others? I wanted to expand on that in this production.

How is it also inspired by Murakami’s novel Hear the Wind Sing? Murakami’s work has the distinct undertones of melancholy, black comedy and a sense of surrealism. It also poses a question: are you content with

where you are in life now? I wanted to incorporate that into Horse.
What category or genre would you say this production falls into? All I can say is it starts off with some black comedy, but at the end you may be shedding some tears.

How does being an actor help with directing? Having worked with so many directors in the past, it’s easier for me to tune in with the actors and understand their capabilities. The challenge lies in the fact that the cast comes from different theater troupes so it takes a bit of adjusting. Also, the play doesn’t tell the story from the beginning. It opens with a crisis, so it’s essential for the actors to really get into the characters quickly and be convincing.

Catch Horse at Democrazy Theater Studio.

Technique & medium: Dripping technique with acrylics on canvas.

What are the thoughts behind this exhibition?
I’d like to portray the aggression against nature, and how if we observe it more carefully, aesthetics are there to be seen. It’s almost like watching two boxers hitting each other in a boxing ring. Even though they’re fighting, their forms and movements are beautiful.

Can you tell us about the dripping technique?
I was inspired by the famous American expressionist artist Jackson Pollock. First I’d lay the canvas on the floor, walk around it and splash paint all over it. Then I’d hang the canvas on the wall, and begin the dripping process. I call the way I work “hyper reality” because I manually move the canvas to control the dripping.

What is the significance of the title being incorporated into the piece?
Every artwork has its title painted across them. The titles, while all made up, represent coldness and inaccessibility. They give you that same passive feeling as the names of chemicals or medicine. They also break up the aesthetics of the paintings, almost defile them, which portrays the paradox in the beauty of destruction.

What’s your message to the viewers?
My artworks don’t have didactic value. They’re not there for the purpose of preaching. I don’t believe that a didactic artwork can offer the same level of profound emotional impact.

Acid Rain exhibition at La Lanta

How did you get involved with this production?
Inspire Me! came about as a result of the recent political chaos, when we recognized the need for an uplifting new approach to musical theatre that not only showcases young hidden talent in Bangkok but also allows people to express their feelings and hopes for a brighter future.

What is Inspire Me! about?
It follows a group of students through their final year of school where important life decisions have to be made and chances have to be taken. We see how differences can bring people together but also push people apart.

Who are some of the actors/performers?
All the performers are under 22 years of age and come from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. We have a core of experienced singers, a sub-core of fantastic dancers, and an energetic ensemble that form a total cast of 35.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the making of this show?
As the project is non-profit the trickiest thing has been securing reasonable prices for everything that will go into the show. There are some special effects, which although amazing, prove quite challenging logistically and financially! The cast, however, have all been simply sensational.

What’s next for you?
The future’s bright! Taking a leaf out of the Inspire Me! book, I will keep setting goals and try my best to work towards them, the first goal being to direct another show featuring actors and performers of any age. So watch this space!
Catch Inspire Me! at Moonstar Studio

Who makes up Spring Theater?
There are four of us behind the project: co-producer Wipavee Prathumpong, playwright Napak Traichareondej, production designer Suwalee Wichaiwutkun and me. We formed the troupe with the intention of creating stage plays that largely focus on children’s and women’s issues.

Can you tell us about this production?
Dekpiset was originally Napak’s thesis piece when she was studying at the Department of Dramatic Arts at Chulalongkorn University. The script, which was about an autistic boy and his mom, received positive feedback and we all loved it, so we decided to develop it into a full production. The proceeds from the performance will go towards several autistic children foundations.

What’s next for Spring Theater?
We’ll be focusing on charity plays about kids and women. I’m looking at doing Philip Ridley’s play Sparkleshark, which tackles the issues of teenagers. The problem is that four of us all have full-time jobs, so it might not be ready until late next year.

Catch A Boy in the Room (Dek Piset) at M Theater

As a child: Well-behaved and sincere.
First job: Playing music at my college festivals.
Rule for life: Music makes the world go round.
Best gig you’ve ever been to: At the Commonwealth Games’ closing ceremony in Delhi where I played in front of 65,000 people alongside 21 of India’s finest singers and musicians.
Most inspirational person: My dad and my wife.
Last lie: Told a music company I was too busy to take up their work. The truth is I didn’t like the song they wanted me to remix.
Hum this tune in a shower: “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd.
Favorite website: www.youtube.com.
One word to describe your sound: Always new, fresh and interesting.
Can’t leave home without: My iPhone/iPad.
In 20 years: Probably doing background scores for Hollywood and Bollywood films. And will be the most expensive in the field too!

Following up  Dj Suketu at Q Bar