DIRECTING A STAGE PLAY “KARM PAYABATH”

Abstract

This article aims to study principles of analysis, interpretation, and concepts of directing
a stage play Karm Payabath. This play was restaged as a thesis project of Theatre Arts student
at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University (SSRU) for the 2023 academic year. It is an adaptation
of Agatha Christie’ best-selling mystery novel named “And then there were none.” Research
methods include studying the play analysis and documented data, analyzing and casting the
performers, observing the stage design process, rehearsals and performances, interviews,
recording of photos and videos of the stage performance. The researcher found that directing
of Karm Payabath in 2023 can communicate the main idea of the story for the audience
effectively. By utilizing the analysis of the play script and key performance elements of
Aristotle’s Poetics such as plot, character, thought, diction, music and spectacle, the director
can create powerful stories that move and inspire Thai audiences. This research results will
serve as guidelines for the study of directing and can be applied to directing other stage play.