What inspired 18 Monkeys?
I had a chance to go see the Queen’s Khon: Nang Loi episode, and was impressed with the army of monkeys. There was something contemporary about them. I’m particularly interested in Monkey Kasorntamala, because he still fights for King Rama, even though he took a friend-for-life oath with the King’s nemesis, Demon Mungornkan. It made me question Kasorntamala’s motives and the dilemma of duty and friendship he faces. It’s political and very relevant.

What were some of the challenges during the making of this production?
The seven performers come from different acting backgrounds and they’re all highly individualistic. It’s pretty challenging to get them to interpret my visions the way I want it. However, they have to be really passionate about what they’re portraying to be convincing.

Your works of late have been re-interpretations of Thai classics. Is that the direction you’re currently heading in?
Not necessarily. My previous productions saw a mix of East and West, like Carmen and Sudsakorn. The latter turned likay into a modern dance theater, which received overwhelmingly positive feedback. I think it depends on my inspiration from travelling aboard as well as the things and people surrounding me. My style is for each performer to have an equal part in communicating with the audience. I don’t like doing the same things, but sometimes the traditional Thai performing arts provide an invaluable source for me, or any artist, to create.

What do you think about the dying art of khon?
I think putting khon in a more modern, relevant context might be another solution in preserving and spreading this precious national art form. Any kind of art has a beauty in itself and it has an undying power to inspire.

Keeping up 18 Monkeys at Patravadi Theater