I was selected to take part in LannaNEXT (New Emerging eXpanding Talent), a programme initiated and organised by Waewdao Sirisook to introduce emerging artists to Lanna performance and create opportunities for new artistic encounters. Ronnarong Khampha contributed to the training as an artist and teacher and co-host.
During the training week, we were introduced to the development of Lanna performance art through lectures and practical sessions. The programme included music ethnology, Fon Jern, traditional Lanna dance, singing, shadow theatre and puppetry, as well as exercises in movement, rhythm and performance. Learning directly through the body gave me a very different perspective on traditions that I had previously encountered mainly as an observer.
The week also became a process of creating. Six participants came together to develop EXCUSE มาเต๊อะ, bringing very different experiences and artistic practices into one performance. I contributed my own background in performance while stepping into a very different stage role, taking on a Lanna female character and exploring the way of movement, costume and presence that came with it.
The title EXCUSE มาเต๊อะ combines the English “Excuse me” with the Lanna expression “มาเต๊อะ”, meaning “come” or “come along”. The performance grew from a question that emerged within the group: If we are not Lanna, how can we feel the Lanna-ness? Rather than trying to imitate traditional performance, we allowed our different approaches to become part of the piece.
The performance was presented at the Divine Dance and Music Festival 7 (นาฏยเปิงใจ) in Chiang Mai, alongside performances drawing on Lanna music and dance traditions.
Photo Credit: Pom Chumpong
Photo credit: Weerapon Jainakaew
For me, Lanna Next was an opportunity to experience Lanna performance from within rather than simply observing it. It gave me a deeper understanding of how cultural knowledge lives in the body and has opened new directions for my own artistic practice.
I am deeply grateful to have been selected for the programme and to everyone who shared their knowledge and made the experience possible.