WIVES AND WOES
A musical adaptation of a famed novel about infidelity
Mia Luang ( First Wife) is undoubtedly a classic. The novel by celebrated author Kritsana Asoksin has seen six TV renditions and a few musicals. It tells the story of Dr Anirut, an unfaithful, insatiable man who has numerous affairs until he messes with the wrong woman, Ornin.
This month, Studio 41 is reviving this timeless novel once again. The Wife, A New Musical digs deeper into the emotional turmoil of the characters, presenting the complicated bitterness through songs. We sat down with composer and lyricist Danai Mettrai to learn more about the upcoming show.
What was most challenging about composing songs for this musical?
We did not start composing musical numbers as traditional composers would, which usually start with a motif that is later expanded and elaborated into numbers, before stringing them into a story. Rather, we created different melodies for each character and their individual expressions. As such, the musical numbers vary in personality, yet are cohesively connected with one another through the relationships between characters, resulting in unique harmony.
This story has seen many versions. How will yours be different?
We call it “A New Musical” because this one will not be just another melodrama that focuses on women’s jealousy. We go deeper and explore the irony of the situation. We want to highlight that it all boils down to greed and need, and the women’s desire to win. In the end, it’s the women who hurt each other even more than the man does.
What’s your take on infidelity?
Each relationship is different, and each person’s view on this subject varies. If you cannot tolerate being cheated on, you have to decide whether you will stay or go — simple as that. I think there are many factors to consider, because each person’s situation is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
What message do you want to convey through your songs?
I want the audience to feel what the characters are feeling, and what motivates them to act the way they do.
The Wife,A New Musical is performed in Thai with English subtitles at Sodsai Pantoomkomol Centre for Dramatic Arts, Chulalongkorn University, from Jan 21-30 . Tickets cost B800 (B400 for students).Visit www.bangkokstudio41.com, fb.com/atstudio41 or call 094-931-3434.