Process of Composing lyrics and melodies for Thai Musical Theater: The Princess Palalerslaksanawalai

Abstract

          This article aims to present the process of composing lyrics and melodies for ‘The Princess Palalerslaksanawalai’, a novel (1952-1953) written by Woramai Kabilsingh. Qualitative research was conducted in order to collect data and analyze the concept and value of the novel, which then allowed the process of composing lyrics and melodies for it. The novel ‘The Princess Palalerslaksanawalai’ promotes female rights by glorifying a heroine who goes through phases in proving herself worthy. It not only portrays sexual diversity which goes beyond the boundaries set by society but also discusses various forms of injustice in the ideal world of democracy, including the heterosexual ideology. The Queer Theory is incoporated in the novel to find answers which are not bound by any sexual standpoint. The composition of lyrics and melodies for ‘The Princess Palalerslaksanawalai’ was inspired by the Preedalai musical theatre, with the main theme being ‘gender does not define the value of life.’ Musical and vocal composition is based on Thai songs with Khak (Malay and Javanese) accents used in Khon (traditional Thai masked dance) and Thai traditional theatre as well as Nora (traditional, folk performing arts which is popular in the southern region of Thailand) and Ronggeng music (music used in Ronggeng dance which is a type of muslim dance with singing, accompanied by a violin, rammana (goblet drum), accordion and a gong), which is appropriate for the characters and the settings of the novel.