The Creation of a Dance Performance for Promoting Historical Tourism in Ang Thong Province

Abstract

         This study aims to develop a choreographic work entitled “Roy Prapat” (Royal Visit) as a creative approach to promoting historical tourism in Ang Thong Province, Thailand. Employing a qualitative research design, the researcher collected data through documentary analysis and field observation and subsequently synthesized into a new dance creation. The findings reveal that this dance performance was designed to promote historical tourism by retracing the royal journeys of King Rama V in Ang Thong Province. The key historical landmarks presented include Wat Pa Mok Worawihan, Wat Khun Inthapramun, Wat Chaiyo Worawihan and Phra Tamnak Kham Yat. The work integrates six key components: (1) Concept and Structure: the performance unfolds in three segments: a) the King’s royal visit to Ang Thong, b) the historical landmarks along the royal route and c) an invitation to contemporary audiences to experience this cultural tourism path; (2) Performers: a cast of ten female dancers trained in Thai classical and contemporary dance; (3) Lyrics and Music: newly composed lyrics and music in a contemporary Thai idiom infused with Central Thai folk elements; (4) Costumes: inspired by women’s puff-sleeved attire of the Rama V era combined with Chong Kraben draping; (5) Choreography blending Thai court dance with regional folk movements; and (6) Formations and Use of Space: spatial formations designed through geometric and free-form patterns.