The Mahajanaka Grand Musical is a highlight of the historic exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary celebrations of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

The Committee on Projects and Activities has teamed up with JSL Co Ltd to stage the drama from tomorrow until June 4 at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani.

The spectacular performance has been adapted from "Mahajanaka", the latest literary work by HM the King. Inspired by the story of one of the Lord Buddha's previous lives, it focuses on the virtue of perseverance as a guideline for sustainable development through the use of dhamma riddles.

JSL executive vice president Pusacha Donavanik said at a press conference yesterday at Government House that, in the main, the performance would match the theme of the King's book.

"We're trying our utmost to pass on all the doctrines incorporated in the literary version. But actually it's hard to tell the whole story in a 45-minute show," she said.

The two main themes of the story have been selected for the stage performance. One is Phra Mahajanaka's persistent attempts to swim across the ocean, and the other is Phra Mahachanok watching people in his own town struggling madly with a mango tree and then debating whether he will be ordained.

The performance will be divided into nine acts, beginning with a scene portraying the gigantic vessel of Phra Mahajanaka departing port for the open ocean before being sunk by a storm.

"The entire surface of the arena will be transformed into an ocean using modern light and sound techniques," said Pusacha. "The audience will be stunned."

About 200 soldiers will perform as the water, upon which Phra Mahajanaka will float forwards. And 2,700 metres of fabric have been specially woven to create the "ocean".

"It's a hard and impressive scene for me," said TV star Assadawut Loengsoonthorn, who stars as Phra Mahajanaka. "I have to have trust these hands [below me] won't let me fall."

Assistant Professor Kengkart Sukee is the show's director and scriptwriter. Professor Bruce Gaston, also the conductor, has penned 65 minutes of accompanying music. Assistant Professor Dr Narapong Charassri is the art director and choreographer, and Komol Panichaphan designed the costumes.

The Mahajanaka Grand Musical will be staged twice daily, at 2pm and 7pm. Admission is free. Reservations are recommended and can be made at all branches of Major Cineplex, with a Bt100 reservation fee. Proceeds will go to His Majesty to benefit royal activities.

"The contemporary musical incorporates dhamma principles taken from His Majesty's 'Mahajanaka' and state-of-the-art presentation techniques that makes for an eye-catching stage performance," said Government Spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee.

Surapong is secretary and member of the projects and activities committee of the National Commission on the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne.

"The show is worth seeing, and the guiding principles can help us all in our daily lives," Surapong said.

Chatrarat Kaewmorakot

 The Nation