Abstract:
The objectives of this research were to study the history and background of Likey Khmer and its elements to analyse the elements and the role of Likey Khmer towasds society and human development, to study the factors effecting performances, and to propose guidelines for a sustainable conservation and development of Likey Khme. The research scope consisted of actors and actresses of Yannatasilp Band Ban Khoak Gaduad of Lumduan district Surin province. These were the band leader, actors and actresses, and musicians, a total of 32 persons. The Audience consisted of 45 persons. The study was qualitatively attempted and a descriptive analysis was used in its proposal.
Research findings were as follows:
The Yannatasilp Likey Khmer Likey Khmer of Ban Khoak Gaduad is a local folklore originated in 1973. Mr. Yan Janthakhet, the band leader, studied the local from Mr. Prem Ratanaptkdee of Ban Dongkheng MuangLing Community, Chompra district, Surin province. Prems band was known as Prempreedeesamukkeesilp. Consequently, Mr. Yand Chanthakhet developed his own band. The elements of Likey Khmer consisted of actors, who at its early stage were actually woman dressing as men. Later, actual men have really been used. Plain clothing are used in this local folklore where men dress in slacks and long sleeves shirts and woman dress in wide short skirts like those of students and different colours of blouses according to the development of fashion popularity. Musical instruments included Pee Salai (Salai flute), Glong Lumana (Lumana drum), fidals, and cymbals. Later , musical instruments of modern time were included to add more arousing rythms to the performances. The stories played were Paopromtat and Janthakumarn. At present, Namta Looklieng (Tears of Step- sons and Daughters) and Kharm sanong Kharm (Present Existance of Ours Depends on Past Deeds) were used to perform. The sings employed were Plaeng Sathukarn, Plaeng Hoamrong, Plaeng JungkwongKayomlood, Plaeng Lennam, Plaeng Sakakaew and Plaeng Papiebparai. The language used was the local Khmer and the dancing styles were conventional ones which possessed fixed patterns. Techniques used were firstly Kee Tai and consequently Chowpayu Lamp and electricity. Sounds were at first taking place without microphones and cocout leaves were used as curtains. Later , white clothes were used without any designs, which were then developed into the ones with pictures of water falls, palaces, and castles. The stage was first built using only 4 posts with ladders at 2 sides. Coconut leaves were used to make walls and Kee Tai lights were lit at the 4 posts. The stage could be rented by the host or the Likey band depending on mutual agreements. The stage floor was made from soled wood fixed by nails.
Opportunity of performances are both on auspicious and unauspicious occasions. There are six steps in performancing which are waikru, Homerong, Rum Buergrong, Rum Tayoy, Karn orkkaeg and story procedures. An income of the performances was only about 2-5 baht at the first period. According to Socioal and economical changes and popularity, an income per head per month is now about 2000 baht.
Likey Khmer was very popular in 1977-1985, with 20 performances per month, Later, its popularity decreased since there have been so many performances for audiences to choose from.
The Liker Khmer plays and important role in human development. In terms of education, this is needed to be recorded no matter if it is the soft and beautiful dancing arts 0 the language used of local dialect. In terms of society, unity can be built among actors and actresses who are actually relatives. In terms of economy, income can be made directly for them and for the community as a whole. The story employed always tells about good and bad deeds which help enhance moral disciplines and ethics of audiences. The factors effecting the Likey Khmer are labour migration, modern family with materialitic consumption. Income does not meet with expenditure since supportive careers do not exist. It is advised that a conservative guideline for Khmer Likey in different occasions regularly and local curriculum development should take place.