Written by the playwright Hideki Noda over ten years ago, the themes of Girl of the Soil (Sao Chao Na in Thai and Nogyo – shojyo in Japanese) are still relevant today and have been creatively adapted by the director Nikorn Saetang of the 8x8 Theatre Group in Thailand. With a cast consisting of actors from Bangkok’s small, but vibrant theatre scene, the groups of B – Floor Theatre, Saosong Theatre Group, New Theatre Society, Babymime, and 8x8 have created an amazing work.
A Thai – Japanese Play Or A Japanese – Thai Play?
Adapting a work from a different language and culture is a challenge, but director Nikorn Saetang has created a Thai drama that is humorous, emotional and satirical. Interweaving themes of identity, possession, and the rural – urban divide, Girl of the Soil accomplishes what strong drama intends, it holds a mirror to the world and speaks truths people are unable to voice. Along the journey, it also brings laughter and produces strong dramatic moments as well.
Mali, a teenage girl from the rural northeast of Thailand, abhors the life of a farmer and yearns for the lights of the city. Abandoning her home, she meets Dr. Prawit, a man her father’s age, while on the train for Bangkok. Prawit begins an obsession with her as the actor’s inner personas engage on the stage. Mali ends up with a group of delinquents when arriving in Bangkok, but eventually comes to stay with Prawit who becomes a jealous keeper.
Themes in Thai Drama
On coming to Bangkok Mali begins to search for her own identity. As a farmer she longed for what she saw in advertisements, and in Bangkok she feels compelled to abandon her identity as a farmer. She needs to disguise her accent, and dress as a girl from the city would. There are satirical jabs at the life of commuters, and the play also pokes fun at the current political situation comparing rival political groups to football mobs. Wanting to be something new, Mali sheds skins and adapts new identities while trying to discover herself.
Mali begins to take an interest in activism, finding and abandoning causes reflecting the fad like nature society holds for altruism. However, volunteering for NGOs becomes more than a passing phase for Mali as she is lured by the sweet tongued Seubsak who exploits and uses Mali. As the play continues, Mali finds her passion in wanting to grow organic rice, dubbed “Girl of the Soil,” she finds her comfort and identity in her roots as a farm girl. As the idea of the rice grows in popularity, Seubsak’s true nature shows, leaving Mali to wonder who she will choose to be and be with.
Thai Contemporary Drama
As Girl of the Soil progresses, Prawit becomes the main character as his obsession and jealousy over Mali continue to grow. The play opens with a meeting of Seubsak’s Urban Agricultural Society transforming itself in the Urban Power political party, being interrupted by a gun – wielding Prawit. Utilizing flashbacks, the drama unfolds as viewers learn Mali’s story and Seubsak’s and Prawit’s true character. Both men wish to exercise their power through possession of Mali, who is used by both for their own ends.
Mali expresses herself through asides to the audience. Many characters break the wall and directly address the audience as the play shifts narrators throughout. Actors in Girl of the Soil also play multiple roles as well with minimal costume change, but superb use of body language. The satire is biting, but will have little appeal to audiences unfamiliar with Thailand, while some of the easier laughs are merely a chuckle. Despite this, Girl of the Soil is thoroughly enjoyable and well played by its charismatic actors.
Girl of the Soil is an energetic play with a stage that feels alive. A sparse set consisting of six boxes and a set of railroad tracks which are removed to plant rice, the actors move about without a close of curtains. Instead the actors use and manipulate the boxes to create new settings and scenes. The seamless transitions between the flashbacks are extremely well done and give the play a captivating energy. The clever direction and manipulation of the set lend to the play’s charisma and reflects on the technical ability of the production companies.
Girl of the Soil originally written by Hideki Noda and adapted by Nikorn Saetang will play November 3 – 4, 2009 at the Thailand Cultural Center as part of the Bangkok Theatre Festival before travelling to Japan for a series of performances. The performance features English and Japanese subtitles.
Brian Jungwiwattanaporn - Living an eclectic life, Brian has found online writing a great way to share and explore his interests. Having recently complete a ...
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