Takolkiat "Boy" Veerawan has only briefly backtracked with his revival of last year's hit "Tawipob The Musical".

The director is hard at work on another project - "Fah Jarod Sai", starring Mos Patipan and Meria "Nat" Bendetti.

But meanwhile, Khunying Wimol Siripaiboon - Thailand's leading novelist and the author, as Tommayantee, of "Tawipob" ("Double World") - has praised the musical as the best adaptation she's seen after Dream Box's version of her book "Koo Karma".

All 28 shows last year were sold out.

Takolkiat, whose credits also include "Banlungmek" ("Cloud Throne"), says the musical has returned unchanged, though its 30-plus scenes will be presented more concisely.

"Tawipob" redux has one feature that Takolkiat dares not touch - the score. Vichien Tantipimolphan's lyrics and Saravudh Lertpanyanuch's melodies pleasantly incorporate traditional Thai music.

The original cast is back, with a shift in the two sets of lead actors. You can decide whether you want to see Pootanet "Captain" Hongmanop paired with Panadda Ruangvudh or Songsit "Goong" Roongnophakunsri and Suthasinee "Pat" Buddhinand.

Last year it was Panadda with Pat and Captain with Goong.

Tokolkiat spoke with The Nation last week.

Why are you re-staging "Tawipob"?

There are still a lot of people who didn't get to see the original hit run, and there are a lot more people who want to see it again.

Initially we plan to have 12 shows, but we'll wait and see if demand grows.

When did the idea of a revival arise?

It came up while we were staging the show last year. We'd have loved to extend the run then, but unfortunately [the Thailand Cultural Centre] was fully booked. But we informed the cast about the idea and planned for the revival to ensure that the original cast would be available. We began rehearsals in June.

The original cast should know their characters thoroughly by now.

When the first rounds of rehearsals ended, we were very happy with the results. This time it's extra special since, coincidentally, the theme is clearly visible lately in our love for the King and the patriotic sentiment.

Hearing the same dialogue this time gave performers goose bumps after I'd told them to think about the yellow sea of people gathered at the Royal Plaza to express their love to His Majesty.

It's the same feeling in the play, when Maneechan says the King's decision is right and will help Siam maintain its sovereignty. It's so touching.

Why do you think people should go to theatre in general?

I'd love Thai people to enjoy theatre as an art. I'd love to see them develop theatre-going as part of their culture.

Those who never pay attention to this kind of performance should try just once, and they'll see how special and distinctive it is. You really enjoy all the teamwork and beauty in it.

"Tawipob The Musical" will be staged at the Thailand Cultural Centre from August 15 to 25. Get your tickets from Thaiticketmaster, and drop by www.tawipob.com.

Veena Thoopkrajae

The Nation