New Theatre Society brings a blend of British comedy and Thai folk horror to the local stage.

Scenario’s “Mae Nak Phra Khanong the Musical” is currently running and Dreambox’s “Mae Nak the Musical” is opening soon. But it seems local troupes just can’t get enough of our most famous ghost as New Theatre Society’s Damkerng Thitapiyasak brings the comedy “Nang Nak the Museum” to the stage of Bangkok’s Makhampom Studio.

Almost two decades ago, his translation of Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” was further adapted and staged with great success at Montienthong Theatre.

“It was after that that I had the idea of putting on the famous Thai tale of ‘Mae Nak’,” he says. 

“The message is similar — how a lover can become over-possessive, even after death.”

“I’ve been sharing this wild idea with friends for years, but the project became reality when I learned last November there would be two ‘Mae Nak’ musicals this year. I told my friends that the time had come. They thought I was kidding.”

“Two-thirds of the plot structure of ‘Blithe Spirit’ remains intact, while variations of ‘Mae Nak’ myths have been inserted here and there, by the two janitor characters, which I adapted from the husband and wife characters in ‘Blithe Spirit’.” 

“The play is set in the present day museum [hence the title]. Mark [as in Obamark perhaps] is a curator working on a folk tale exhibition. One of his research methodologies is to hire a shaman to perform the ritual, and to record it on film. Instead, she accidentally brings back the infamous spirit of Mae Nak who reveals that Mark in his past life was actually Nak’s husband Mak.”

“Nak now sees the relationship between Mark and his wife, an event organiser, is based on benefits, not on love. And the war between a ghost and human beings starts again.”

While the two big productions of “Mae Nak” are musicals, “Nang Nak the Museum” is not. Damkerng says, “Let’s just say it’s a play with music.”

Don’t expect spectacular set design and stunning visual effects either. 

“We’re experimenting with two-dimensional neutral design that can create different stage pictures when being lighted differently.”

The comedy features a group of seasoned thespians, well known and loved by local playgoers. Oranong Thaisriwong, acclaimed for her role in last year’s “Sunflower”, takes on the title role. Kriengkrai Fookasem, a charismatic leading man in many recent stage productions, plays Mark in the present and Mak in the past. Comedian Wannasak Sirilar is a janitor, and Makhampom’s Sawanee Utumma portrays the medium.

“Nang Nak the Museum” is at Makhampom Studio (BTS: Saphan Kwai) from Friday, June 19 to Tuesday, June 30, one show daily at 7:30pm. Tickets are from Bt 250 to Bt 350—the sooner you watch, the less you pay, so let’s go the first weekend. Call 086 787 7155 for reservation and more details.  Check out: newtheatresociety.hi5.com.