Eco-choreography for Environmental Crisis Communication in Contemporary Thai Dance: A Multi-case Study

Abstract

Environmental crises are frequently communicated through scientific reports, yet public engagement often depends on embodied, affective, and culturally resonant forms of meaning - making. This paper proposes an analytical framework termed “Eco-choreography” to examine how contemporary Thai dance communicates environmental crisis narratives through dramaturgy, movement quality, material symbols, and sonic atmosphere . Using a multi -case design, the study analyses four performance dossiers that address (1) deforestation and heat, structured as destruction -restoration-abundance; (2) coral reef degradation driven by marine plastic, framed as deterioration-restoration-flourishing; (3) disasters of the four elements (earth, water, wind, fire) as nature’s warning against human negligence; and (4) drought interpreted through an Isan rainmaking ritual, contrasting hope with failed supplication and loss . Data comprise textual performance documents and structured performance analysis guided by the proposed framework; the paper additionally outlines an audience-oriented evaluation extension using creator interviews and pre - and post-performance audience measures of understanding, emotional connection, and behavioural intention (e.g., reduced plastic use ). Analytical synthesis of dossier-coded cues suggests that clear narrative arcs from crisis to repair, together with tangible on -body objects (e.g., nets, plastic -like materials, debris ), may strengthen potential audience legibility of causal responsibility and possibilities for restoration. The paper contributes a transferable tool for analysing and designing environmental performance in Thai cultural contexts and supports arts-based approaches to sustainability communication.