Pramothai Musical Theatre

Abstract

AbstractThis research titled “Pramothai Musical Theatre” is part of Doctor of Philosophy Program in Music,Mahidol University. The researcher used the methodology of qualitative research to study the history ofPramothai Musical Theatre. The objectives of this research are to study the establishment of PramothaiMusical Theatre, its important personnel and components of Pramothai Musical Theatre.The research revealed that Pramothai Musical Theatre was established in 1911 by Phra SophonAksonkit (Lek Samitasiri). He established his own theatre situated in a commercial building in the southof Charoen Krung Road in order to organize the performance of musical theatre which used the playscomposed by many poets. The style of Pramothai Musical Theatre was made interesting by severaladditional components, namely, international dances during interlude dance show, the jokers who alwaysfollowed the main characters and the Chinese operas which were developed into the style of Thaimusical theatre with Thai lyrics. The important actresses were Mae Bunnak, Mae Chawee and MaeChamoi.From the research, there were two important personnel of Pramothai Musical Theatre. The firstperson was Phra Sophon Aksonkit who was the owner of Pramothai Musical Theatre and who played animportant role in developing musical theatre into an interesting and unique performance. The secondperson was Chamoi Khangkharat (Mae Chamoi) who was a significant actress of Pramothai MusicalTheatre. Mae Chamoi was so skillful in performing musical theatre that she was praised as the bestperformer in Thai-style Chinese opera.There were six essential components of Pramothai Musical Theatre: theatrical play, performer, theatre,scenery, musical ensemble, and song.Key words: Pramothai Musical Theatre, history, personnel and components