STRATEGIES FOR ADAPTING PROSE LITERATURE INTO DANCE DRAMA SCRIPTS: A CASE STUDY OF KAMNIT–VASITTHI

Abstract

          This research article examines techniques for adapting prose from literature into dance-drama scripts, using the case study of the story of Kamanit-Vasitthi. The research employs a qualitative methodology, collecting data from documents, participatory, and non-participatory observations. Data collection and analysis involve categorizing information according to the topics studied and comparing data through descriptive narration to obtain information that aligns with the objectives.

          Research findings indicate that there are five essential steps that scriptwriters must study when adapting prose into a dance drama script: 1. The scriptwriter must thoroughly understand the content of the story. 2. They must grasp the central theme of the story to craft a script that effectively conveys its core message. For example, in "Kamanita and Vasitthi," the story revolves around the quest for true happiness, letting go, and non-attachment. 3. The scriptwriter must comprehend the personalities and traits of the characters, their feelings, and the relationships between them. For instance, Kamanita is in love with Vasitthi, while Satakein loves Vasitthi unrequitedly, which is a cause of suffering from separation and drives the plot forward. 4. Understanding the timeline of events in the story is necessary to arrange the sequence of events when writing the script. For example, the Buddha arrives at the potter’s house in the evening at the beginning of the story and stays overnight there, and so on. 5. The scriptwriter must know about composing dance drama scripts and poetic forms. Ensuring rhyme and adherence to prosodic rules helps the content harmonize with the music, melody, dance movements, and singing, resulting in aesthetic and literary beauty in the dance drama.

          The methods for adapting prose from literature into a dance drama script, as seen in the case study of "Kamanita and Vasitthi," involve five key steps that the scriptwriter must know. When these concepts are distilled, it becomes clear that "Kamanita and Vasitthi" presents themes of the happiness of life, causes of suffering, and the cessation of suffering. The main characters, Kamanita and Vasitthi, are lovers who are separated, and the prose literature clearly describes their desire for liberation from suffering. The timeline of events is also clearly laid out. When transforming the prose into a dance drama script, poetic language can be used to create rhyme, and events can be described concisely to convey the story's main purpose. This adaptation makes the performance more engaging and less monotonous.