The evening of the 31^st of May, 2024 was memorable to 23 students of Mahidol University International College (MUIC) who are enrolled this trimester in the course ICGC 213 Comparative Topics in Literature: Drama when they attended a play festival entitled “Fringe 24 Festival” at the British Club in Silom, Bangkok.

Billed as a theatrical event featuring six short theatrical performances and a song, “Fringe 24 Festival” was staged by the Bangkok Community Theatre. The students, coming from different major programs, were accompanied by their lecturer, Asst. Prof. Dr. Analiza Perez-Amurao of the Intercultural Studies and Languages (ICIC) Program.

The students expressed excitement at watching all short performances that ran the gamut from comedy, drama to musical. They also received a bonus— after the performance, the cast and crew held a Q&A where the students asked the actors and directors numerous questions about the plays and various theatrical techniques. The students said this theatrical experience only spurred them on to work harder in their forthcoming production of “Mean Girls,” a play based on Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible.”

Two of the students even shared their comments:

Mr. Ruchirod Thaweehiranchai, an International Relations and Global Affairs (IRGA) student, said, “The production was exemplary, illustrating what can and should be done in theatrical presentations. It was inspiring and also gave us numerous ideas for our own production, including blocking, sound, lighting, and audience interaction. The Q&A session was invaluable, offering insights into successful play production, techniques, advice, and recommendations. As a drama student, attending this play was an inspiring experience and provided me with excellent examples and ideas for future work.”

On the other hand, his classmate, Ms. Benyanich Niyomwas, a Media and Communication student, had this to say: “The one play that I really appreciate was ‘The Rental.’ What really got my attention was the plot of this play. It is very linear, but in such a way that it is not predictable. The rising action started with Sonya getting to know Harold, until it reaches the climax with the two of them hugging fully in love with each other, then to the falling action of her having a meltdown about the idea that everything is not real and that tomorrow he will not be there for her, prompting her to break up with him. The resolution happens when the conflict between Sonya and her wants is resolved. This can be seen at the end of the play when she rethinks her decision and tells Harold that she enjoys his service and to ‘Come make me breakfast?’ While she’s holding the concert tickets in her hand, she shows the audience that she, after all, wants some company, even though she says that she has plenty of love already.

“This was only one play among several from the #Fringe24 Festival. I really appreciate this opportunity for me to get to go see this play. I can feel the actors’ enjoyment of performing; even the directors seemed so glad to answer our questions during the Q&A session.” 

It was indeed a night that is full of entertainment and education for the young thespians of MUIC.

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The Intercultural Studies and Languages (ICIC) program offers students an array of courses in literature including drama and theater arts. For more details, please click this link: https://muic.mahidol.ac.th/eng/programs/undergraduate-programs/humanities-and-language/