Research & Article

This research presents the complete account of the experience working with Hun Lanna - an adapted form of traditional Thai Hun Krabok, from the onset of designing and the making of the puppets to organizing puppet performances. It showed the processes of collaborating different art forms, affected by the both the tradition and the transnationalization of the present-day. The inspiration for the new form of puppet was largely due to the abundance of the Lanna cultural heritage and the pace of modernity.

Puppetry is one of the earliest theatre forms inThailand. It has long been part of the traditions and inheritance of Thai society. Before the globalization era which brought about the modern form of /recreations, puppetry was widely used to teach and reflects the wisdom of the religions. It also served as an important means of entertainment. At present. this ancient art form of education and amusement is often considered rare and old fashioned. This research also offers to identify and describe the key areas where the new identity took shape through the making of puppets. The adaptation reflects clearly the diverse impacts of transnationalism on Thai society. It appears that under transnationalization. the world is in transition to a new phase of modernism and so is the old art form.