The Good Person of Sezchuan
by Bertolt Brecht
An experimental theatre
to stimulate a discussion if Likay is an
appropriate form to present the work of Bertolt Brecht.
Performance will be held at Empty Space ChiangMai (ESC), Nong Ha District, Chiangmai.
Open Rehearsal : Sept. 25, 1999 | Performance Date : Sept. 29, 1999 Duration : 3 hrs.
Introduction and invitation
In October 98, Tadu Contemporary Art held a workshop on Brechtian theatre. The director, Damkerng Thitapiyasak chose a scene from The Good Person of Szechwan for the practice. Manuel Lutgenhorst (artistic director of ESC) was invited as production designer. During the workshop, the idea developed to test if Brecht's text and style of performance could be translated to the folk theater form of "Likay". This short experiment seemed to work and encouraged us to perform the play in this traditional theatre style.
A few months later at ESC, the workshop leaders met at ESC and held a workshop discussing and experimenting with traditional performers from Sanpatong. This event encouraged us to try a full production. In the following month we looked for Likay performers, (we only found four groups) - we adapted the text, invited one group, - discussed the adaptation and planned a first performance on Sept. 29, 1999.
During our research we learned that in the north of Thailand only a few groups remain. Around 1957, when Likay established itself here in the North, there were about 18 - 20 professional groups performing 200 - 250 performance between Nov. and June. Now, however, there are no operating theatre and Likay troupes perform only 30 - 40 times per year for special celebrations at temples, churches and schools.
The researchers conclude:
"The reason for this reduction is the rising influence of modern music group, movies, television and videos. These products of modern technology are less expensive and are more readily available. Nevertheless, Likay still serves as a valuable social and religious purpose because of its beauty and its unique style.
It reflects the problems of society and provides examples of how to solve these problems. It has influenced not only on Thai people but is beginning to have value for other nationalities as well. These are good reasons to preserve Likay.
Suggestions to the Likay troupes to help preserve this important art form are: to update the stories to fit modern situations and to make sure the behaviour of the performers sets socially acceptable example.
It is recommended that the government and other institutions such as schools and private organizations support Likay as they do on other Thai art forms because Likay is a true Thai cultural folk art that speaks deeply to the feeling of Thai villagers."
Brecht wrote for the people the historians say, and adopting this thought we think this play, The Good Person of Szechwan is a perfect choice to test his ideas in a rural environment.
We hope you are appreciating our plan and will possibly show your support by donating or buying our limited tickets (25 - and you can invite two friends) for bhat 1000. We need to cover the expenses of the village performance and hospitality and transport which amount to 25,000 bht.
Thank you
Luckana Kunavichayanont
Tadu Contemporary Art
Manuel Lutgenhorst
ESC