Come what May

A performance involving two siblings, three days, and countless memories

In a bid to shed light on why it appears modern-day families are no longer as close-knit as they once were, a small theatre group, For What Theater, is staging a play about the bond of two siblings and the metaphorical and literal distance between them. Entitled Three

Days In May, the play has only two performers that play the roles of brother and sister who meet only once every two years to make merit for their late father.

Guru speaks to the play’s director Wichaya Artamat about this small-scale production, and his big dreams.

Tell us about yourself.

I graduated with a degree in film from the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication, Thammasat University, but I’ve never really produced my own film. I’m more into theatrical arts.

What attracted you to the role of a play director?

I am interested in theatrical performance, but I don’t like to perform. I like to explore sounds and visuals, and the absence of the two. I like playing with space. I think the best thing about making a play is that it presents so many possibilities and the audience is free to choose what they want to perceive.

What is Three Days In May about?

Three Days In May is about May 17, 2010, May 19, 2012, and May 22, 2014. A brother and a sister, who lead separate lives, come back to make merit for their deceased father. Apart from those days, they don’t get to see each other.

What has made this a unique experience for you as a director?

The actors, the playwright and the director work together. The structure is quite loose, so we all developed the plot and dialogue together. This is quite a new method for me, because I usually work with more specific scripts (not that the actors follow them, but that’s another story), or complete improvisation.

What’s the biggest challenge in directing this play?

This is the first time that I have produced, rehearsed and directed the play together with the actors. It’s quite a challenge for me to work in such an unfamiliar method. G

Three Days In May will be performed at The Crescent Moon Space (Pridi Banomyong Institute, Sukhumvit Soi 55) from Jul 16-27 at 8pm (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Tickets are B400. For reservations and more information, call 086-787-7155.