Miscellany of KhonCreation 2021: Film and Music & Dance
Miscellany of Khon documentary does not present Khon itself but draws inspiration from Khon narration and particular techniques discovered from the research into traditional Khon. The research project Khon: The Human Body: Embodiment, Knowledge Management led by Thanpuying Sirikitiya Jensen and Jitti Chompee began in 2020.
The process involved consistent personal conversations with traditional Khon specialists and performers. This resulted in a short six-episode documentary film produced by the Fine Arts Department that conveys essential elements and untold stories of Khon in stunning contemporary visuals. A deep dive into the hidden insights of the Khon art form is presented through a book called Miscellany of Khon produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture.
As oral tradition is a prominent method in the passing on of traditional knowledge, this book captures the subtleties in Khon that are often overlooked or even undocumented. The insights highlight the delicacy and brilliance of the Thai ancestors that may diminish with time. The book also features a photography collection of Jitti’s Khon-inspired creations. Audiences and readers will surely be surprised by the fascinating gems hidden within the Khon art form that are brought to the surface through a contemporary lens.
Through European’s eyes, encountering Jitti’s work is a state of de-familiarization. The choreographic creation evokes associations to traditional mythology, but by stimulating imagination rather than retelling the traditional stories. Creating space between tradition and a new interpretation challenges familiarity which drives creativity. The use of semiology provokes the audience to rethink and revisit traditional literature in a new light resulting in a new meaning. Realism within the aspects of humanity meets elements of surrealism in mythology, which creates a paradoxical world within the work.
By capturing essential nuances from the traditional art form by reducing traditional decorations, Westerners gradually see that “the work of art contributes to meaning rather than beauty, to promote freedom of autonomy. This gives value to the cultivation of humanity through a work that reflects human emotions.”
