Hanuman Courting Suvannamaccha: Courtship Dance Movements And Dramatic Performance Techniques To Convey Emotions of Love

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the dance movements and techniques used to perform Hanuman Courting Suvannamaccha in order to convey the emotions of love and 2) analyze the communication of the emotions of love expressed by Hanuman while courting Suvannamaccha according to the guidelines of Mr. Wirot Yusawat, an expert in Thai classical dance from Bunditpatanasilpa Institute of Fine Arts. A qualitative research method was used including data collection and analysis of academic documents, books, textbooks, and related research from various sources. In addition, there was a field study to learn dance movements performed in Hanuman Courting Suvannamaccha.

The results revealed that 1 The dance movements in Hanuman Courting Suvannamaccha one of the episodes in the Khon performance of Ramayana, are characterized by flirtatious dance movements performed in a seated posture based on the lyrics of 2 songs: O-Lom Chatri and Mulong. The dance is divided into 2 courting steps. The persuasive speech in the O-Lom Chatri has 5 types of dance movements which are standard dance movements, imitation of natural movements, expressive movements, specific movements, and improvised movements. During the Mulong song, there are 4 types of dance movements, including imitation of natural movements, expressive movements, Specific movements, and improvised movements. The performers must convey the emotions and behaviors from the Hanuman through dance movements and performing styles that are appropriate for the role. The performers is required to use his skills, experience, and wit to convey emotions and behaviors smoothly through the choreography. To express love of Hanuman while courting Suvannamaccha, the performers is the medium to convey the emotions of love that arises from the characters. He must use his knowledge and abilities to convey Hanuman’s feelings through dance movements in order to communicate them to the audience to perceive and understand clearly. 2) The analysis of Hanuman’s expression of love while courting Suvannamaccha showed that there is expression of love through verbal language including rhetoric used for flirting with Suvannamaccha. There is also expression of love shown through non-verbal language. It is the communication using body language instead of words or sometimes the body language accompanies verbal language to add clarity to the message.