Seri Wangnaitham
Encyclopedia
Seri Wangnaitham was a Thai
choreographer and performer of Thai traditional dance
. Seri was considered a master khon dancer, which is regarded as Thailand's highest performing art form. He was also an actor, playwright, director, songwriter, poet and television producer. He was named a National Artist
in 1988.
, the son of Leu and Sa-nga Wangnaitham. He was educated in the Thailand Fine Arts Department's College of Dramatic Arts, and in 1954 joined the department as a musical artist. He eventually became head of the music division. He received a scholarship to study fine arts at the University of Hawaii
from 1962 to 1965.
In 1988, he was named a National Artist
for performing arts.
Among Seri's works was the television variety show, Srisuk Nattakham, which ran for 13 years. He also produced the educational program, Singkhuanroo Kon Doo Khon (Things You Need to Know Before Viewing Khon) in 1972, which served as an introduction to khon for a new generation of Thais.
He was a regular performer at important cultural events, including a khon performance by 2,526 dancers in Sanam Luang to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Rattanakosin island
.
, the Ramayana
, Ramayana Epic: the Incarnation of Rama, with 150 performers at the National Theater in 2005.
In his later years, Seri suffered from heart disease, asthma and emphysema, prompting occasional hospital stays. He died at Mission Hospital after being admitted a day earlier while suffering from exhaustion following a trip to Rama II Park in Amphawa
, Samut Songkhram Province
.
Royal-sponsored funeral rites were held at Wat Tritossathep presided over by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
.
Thai people
The Thai people, or Siamese, are the main ethnic group of Thailand and are part of the larger Tai ethnolinguistic peoples found in Thailand and adjacent countries in Southeast Asia as well as southern China. Their language is the Thai language, which is classified as part of the Kradai family of...
choreographer and performer of Thai traditional dance
Dance of Thailand
Dance in Thailand is the main dramatic art form of Thailand. Thai dance, like many forms of traditional Asian dance, can be divided into two major categories that correspond roughly to the high art and low art distinction....
. Seri was considered a master khon dancer, which is regarded as Thailand's highest performing art form. He was also an actor, playwright, director, songwriter, poet and television producer. He was named a National Artist
Thailand National Artist
The National Artist is a title given annually by the Office of the National Culture Commission of Thailand, recognizing notable Thai artists in literature, fine arts, visual arts, applied arts and performing arts .Since 1985, the honors have been presented on...
in 1988.
Early life and career
Seri was born in BangkokBangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, the son of Leu and Sa-nga Wangnaitham. He was educated in the Thailand Fine Arts Department's College of Dramatic Arts, and in 1954 joined the department as a musical artist. He eventually became head of the music division. He received a scholarship to study fine arts at the University of Hawaii
University of Hawaii
The University of Hawaii System, formally the University of Hawaii and popularly known as UH, is a public, co-educational college and university system that confers associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees through three university campuses, seven community college campuses, an employment...
from 1962 to 1965.
In 1988, he was named a National Artist
Thailand National Artist
The National Artist is a title given annually by the Office of the National Culture Commission of Thailand, recognizing notable Thai artists in literature, fine arts, visual arts, applied arts and performing arts .Since 1985, the honors have been presented on...
for performing arts.
Among Seri's works was the television variety show, Srisuk Nattakham, which ran for 13 years. He also produced the educational program, Singkhuanroo Kon Doo Khon (Things You Need to Know Before Viewing Khon) in 1972, which served as an introduction to khon for a new generation of Thais.
He was a regular performer at important cultural events, including a khon performance by 2,526 dancers in Sanam Luang to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Rattanakosin island
History of Thailand (1768-1932)
Rattanakosin Kingdom is the fourth traditionally counted kingdom of Thailand. It was founded in 1782 with the establishment of Bangkok as the capital city...
.
Later works
Among his later works was an adaptation of Thailand's national epicNational epic
A national epic is an epic poem or a literary work of epic scope which seeks or is believed to capture and express the essence or spirit of a particular nation; not necessarily a nation-state, but at least an ethnic or linguistic group with aspirations to independence or autonomy...
, the Ramayana
Ramayana
The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic. It is ascribed to the Hindu sage Valmiki and forms an important part of the Hindu canon , considered to be itihāsa. The Ramayana is one of the two great epics of India and Nepal, the other being the Mahabharata...
, Ramayana Epic: the Incarnation of Rama, with 150 performers at the National Theater in 2005.
In his later years, Seri suffered from heart disease, asthma and emphysema, prompting occasional hospital stays. He died at Mission Hospital after being admitted a day earlier while suffering from exhaustion following a trip to Rama II Park in Amphawa
Amphoe Amphawa
Amphawa is a district of Samut Songkhram Province, located slightly inland at the northwestern tip of the Bay of Bangkok.-Geography:...
, Samut Songkhram Province
Samut Songkhram Province
Samut Songkhram ) is one of the central provinces of Thailand.Neighboring provinces are Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi and Samut Sakhon. Local people call Samut Songkhram Mae Klong. The province is the smallest of all Thai provinces areawise...
.
Royal-sponsored funeral rites were held at Wat Tritossathep presided over by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is the second daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thais commonly refer to her as Phra Thep, meaning "princess angel." Because her title in Thai is the female equivalent of the title held by her brother, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, she is informally referred...
.