LIVING AND NONLIVING Performance:
Chiang Mai,
Thailand
August 21, 2022
There is no doubt that Chiang Mai’s theatrical provocateurs Lanyim Theatre are carrying the creative torch in northern Thailand. The performance group has been tackling heavy subjects such as the Ukraine war, democracy in Thailand and LGBT rights in the form of public dance, dramatic acting and spoken word. Their shows regularly involve disturbing props such as fake blood, toy guns and religious satire. On Saturday 20, 2022 Lanyim performed at their favorite public location, Tha Phae Gate in full form.
25 year old Nontawat Machai, a Lanyim Theatre performer, said, “The show today talks about using military force to wage war on people. By using Buddhism to create righteousness in killing dissenters such as in Myanmar and Thailand.” Nontawat has been performing with Lanyim for six years and was dressed as a Buddhist monk, “The materials I used for the show are monk's robe, sarongs, and a toy tank. These are the main materials for working with my body.” Passersby watched as Nontawat performed as a monk who controlled a toy tank spread on the ground at Tha Phae Gate.
