Ubon Ratchathani: The skilled 'Nong Phum', a 9-year-old, continues the Isan culture of 'Nang Bak Tue Sing' and can also play the keyboard in the Lam Sing style very skillfully. He is hired to play at various events. This is the keyboard playing of "Nong Phum", a 9-year-old from Ubon Ratchathani. He has been practicing keyboard playing since he can remember, around the age of 5, because his family has preserved the Isan culture of "Nang Bak Tue Sing", which is similar to the shadow puppetry of the South, except that the language, music, and characters are different according to the culture. He will go and play at various merit-making ceremonies such as Bun Pha Wet, Bun Kathin, housewarming, and New Year, when someone hires him.
According to Thai News Agency, 'Nang Bak Tue' is an Isan heritage that has been passed down for hundreds of years. The components of 'Nang Bak Tue Sing' include shadow puppetry, singing, dancing, and musicians such as drums, khaen, pin, and keyboard. Currently, it is being passed down in only a few places in the Isan region. This culture may gradually disappear if there is no one to pass it on, and 'Nong Phumi's' family is one of the inheritors.
'Nong Phum' has seen his grandfather and father play Nang Bak Tue and play the keyboard since he was a child. He absorbed and memorized the playing methods until he could play the puppeteer, play the keyboard, sing, and dance skillfully. He relied purely on memory and relied on practice until he became skilled. Everyone who saw him said that at his age, he could play like this and get a job. His family also accepts Nang Bak Tue jobs. You can follow them on the Facebook page 'Nong Phum', Little Artist (Boy Phutthaphoom). Most recently, someone in the village hired him to play at the New Year's party. Nong Phum's family is in Ban Hin Dan, Pho Sai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.
'Nang Bak Tue' is a traditional performing art of the Northeastern region. The culture was transferred from the shadow puppetry in the South to the Northeastern region of Thailand. It was combined and the performance method, music, singing, and narration were adjusted to be more appropriate for the Northeastern region.
'Bak Tue' is called by many different names. Some call it 'Promothai' movie. The reason it is called 'Bak Tue' movie comes from the important comedian 'Bak Tue' or 'Plaat Tue' who in the story will be the announcer of the story that will be shown. It is also a movie character that is considered very popular among the audience.
The performance will be a puppet show. The audience will be in front of the screen. It starts with paying homage to the teachers. The introduction is a poem to pay homage to the teachers. The story continues with singing in the style of Isan poetry. The narration is humorous. There is music to keep the rhythm during the parts where the characters' gestures change. Also, during scene changes or character changes, the audience will have fun and enjoy themselves. Songs that are considered the identity of the Bak Tue puppet show include the Chet song and the Ok Khaek song.
'Nang Bak Tue' is popularly performed in various local traditional entertainment events, creating much fun and enjoyment for the audience. The stories used in the performance are folk literature, such as Pha Daeng Nang Ai, Sang Sin Chai, Champa Si Ton, Phaya Kan Khak, and Karaket, etc.