Online Database of Creative Innovators in Thailand
The research project “Developing Innovators through Theatre Practice and Local-Contemporary Knowledge for Diversifying and Enriching “Creative Thailand”” is supported by the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional. Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B). The project aims to produce 100 high-potential theater innovators from four regions of Thailand.
This project is a social innovation that drives the ecosystem of creative work in theater arts, acting as a soft power to foster economic creativity through artistic works. These include traditional theater businesses and new platforms in digital media. It also opens creative spaces in major and secondary cities, as well as small communities and neighborhoods that value creativity, storytelling, and creating new works that narrate community stories through creative arts. The project duration is one year (April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024).
The principles used in this creative project adhere to international standards of theater creation, including the development of scripted and collaborative theater pieces, acting, directing, and integrated performance creation. The principles of applied theater are also employed, transforming theatrical spaces into experiential spaces where theater practitioners act as facilitators to design theater experiences as creative spaces for participants to brainstorm and develop competencies.
The project is designed by Professor Pornrat Damrhung (Performing Arts and Applied Theater), Assistant Professor Dr. Prida Manomaiphibul (Playwriting), and Assistant Professor Dangkamon Na-Pombejra (Acting and Directing). Together, they have designed an intensive theater process curriculum to develop trainees who can ""tell stories and act."" This is achieved through a theater workshop camp led by seven leading theater practitioners who serve as model theater innovators and facilitators who adapt the theater process appropriately, connecting it with the experiences and contemporary local knowledge of trainees from each region.
The 10 plays developed are not derived from ancient legends but are created by trainees to reflect contemporary perspectives and societies in their areas. These plays are based on surrounding social phenomena and offer intriguing critical viewpoints. The stories presented are contemporary, and many resonate deeply with audiences due to their insightful presentation, wit, and nuance. If fully developed, these works are expected to be enjoyable and contemporary performances across all regions.
The project has compiled and disseminated lessons, teaching materials, play scripts, recorded performance presentations, and summary videos of each region's training in this database. These resources are available for study and serve as tools and examples for teaching and creating work in theater arts.
We extend our gratitude to all training participants and collaborators, including students, teachers, theater practitioners, local media professionals, theater industry professionals, individuals, organizations, and community supporters of the project from all sectors.
Special thanks to:
- Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B)
- Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University
- Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Khon Kaen University
- Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Thaksin University
- Sodsai Pantoomkomol Center for Dramatic Arts, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University
- Cultural Center, Khon Kaen University
- Treasury Museum, Khon Kaen Province
- Baan Kian Charoen, Songkhla Province
- Sirindhorn Astronomy Park, Chiang Mai Province
- Department of Dramatic Arts, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Songkhla Rajabhat University
- Department of Communication, Faculty of Communication Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus
- Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Thaksin University
- Department of Performing Arts, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University
- Department of Performing Arts, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Thaksin University, Songkhla Campus
- Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, Burapha University
- Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University
- Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University
- Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
- Chiang Mai University
- Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University
- Sripatum University
- Huachiew Chalermprakiet University
- Kanlayanawattana School, Khon Kaen Province
- Khon Kaen Wittayayon School, Khon Kaen Province
- Kam Mueang School, Chiang Mai Province
- Northeast Preparatory School, Sakon Nakhon Province
- Nawamintharachuthit Payap School, Chiang Mai Province
- Pracharat Wittaya School, Khon Kaen Province
- Piyamaharat School, Nakhon Phanom Province
- Rong Kham School, Khon Kaen Province
- Demonstration School of Srinakharinwirot University, Prasarnmit (Secondary), Bangkok
- Ubon Rattana Rajakanya College, Nakhon Ratchasima Province
- Songkhla Folk Artists Association
- Isara Thai Newspaper, Phatthalung Province
- Molam Puppetry Troupe, Dek-Tewada Group
- Part Time Theatre
- Base Performing Art Chiang Mai Learning Center (BPA)