Last time out, it was a duet, with just me and a musician. It’s a much bigger production this time, which allows us to expand the story and performance to another level. We are really lucky to be joined by four prominent actresses to make it even more interesting. It involves a lot of personal stories, too. I don’t want to spoil it, but for example, Katreeya English, whose father has been hospitalized, will play Nang Suwanmacha, the daughter of Tossakan, who enters a battle knowing he’ll lose. It kind of resembles her reality, this character who shares a similar situation. Of course, with acrobatics thrown in, too! 

 

I used to assume many roles and characters when I performed abroad with foreign dance companies, so I thought it would be a good idea to take on a story with links to Thai society. Also, considering it’s a story familiar to most Thai people, the show should really engage them and help them arrive at their own interpretation. For me, the Ramayana is a tale not really about war among giants, monkeys and humans, like people usually make it out to be. It’s self-reflection. Inside everyone, there are characters like Ravana, Phra Ram or Hanuman, which can appear under different situations. 

 

For an acrobatic performance, the preparations are pretty tough, especially for new performers. I know there’s a reason they are big actresses, yet their professionalism was far beyond my expectations. They are really focused, resilient and brave to step beyond their boundaries, as well as to portray their personal stories. Acting-wise I learned a lot from them, too. 

 

I think it’s fair to compare it to a new dish made from familiar ingredients, cooked and displayed in a new way. It’s a story you can definitely relate to, and not an extremely abstract one that is impossible to understand. Just come without expectations.