A theatre company known for its social commentary, the Bai Mai Wai group, turns its sights on abandoned pets with "Dog 8 Cat 9".

This is the seventh work by the 10-year-old community troupe, formed by theatre graduates at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, who get together when their schedules allow or "when we feel the need to voice some comments on certain issues" says Preechayut "Art" Saechang, the troupe's leader. "Our previous plays presented such issues as, among others, child molestation and teen love." For the double-bill of "Dog 8 Cat 9" ("Ma Hao Maeo Khuan"), Art says he was inspired by comments on the Chatuchak forum on the Pantip.com website. "I noticed many people are lending their hands to help stray cats and dogs," he says.

"We want the audience to realise that all lives are valuable. Cats and dogs are not something we can throw away when we feel that they're no longer cute or of any use. They have to proceed with their lives. Some people may feel that taking care of them is a burden. Leaving them may be the end of your burden, but they have to face lives on their own. No longer in our safe and warm houses, they now have to fight with other dogs and cats on the streets, and they are sometimes hit by cars. I think if we decide to raise them, we should do it until the end of their lives."

Being a volunteer at Makhampom Studio at Saphan Kwai gave Art more inspiration, as well as a venue to stage his troupe's new works.

With "Cat 9", directed by Kittisak Saelor, the troupe got the Saphan Kwai community involved. Through some workshops, six neighbourhood children were invited to perform. With the structure of the 15-minute play set by the adults, the children "will tell the audience what they think a cat is capable of and what he or she must face in everyday lives", Art says.

"Despite their hectic school schedules, we managed to rehearse for two hours a day for the past two weeks," Art says of the children.

Art will present his own "Dog 8", a 40-minute play based on true stories from the Pantip.com forums. "The story is about a dog who was deserted, then captured, and sold to an owner who later left him on the street. He now has to face life on his own, meeting good and bad people," Art says.

"Dog 8" will be narrated from the point of view of a flea, who's always been with the dog. "Although people may view the flea as the dog's No 1 enemy, I want to present it in a different way. The flea will deliver some satirical bites on human behaviour as well."

Tickets will be free, though donations will be accepted. An auction of memorabilia from celebrities, as well as paintings and photos of cats and dogs, is planned, with a portion of the proceeds going to two charity projects, Si Kha Nueng Hang Mai Tang Kan (literally, Those with Four Legs and One Tail Are Not Different From Us) and Phuean Khang Thanon (Friends on the Streets).

In addition, a talk with Pantip.com's cat and dog advocates will be held after this Sunday's matinee performance.

Also, host company Makhampom Theatre is holding an exhibition, "Dogs @ Saphan Kwai", presenting photos and stories of dogs in the area.

'Dog 8 Cat 9' will be performed from 7.30pm today (February 22) until Sunday (February 24) and from February 29 to March 2 at Makhampom Studio at Saphan Kwai intersection. Additional 2pm matinees are on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For reservations, call (089) 691 2247. For details, see www.makhampom.net.

written by Pawit Mahasarinand

published in The Nation (Weekend Magazine) on Friday, February 22, 2008