Pero Vaz De Sequeira, an Opera based on Historical Event: An Alternative History of Thailand in the Late Reign of King Narai (1684–1688)

Abstract

This research is one of the subprojects of Pero Vaz de Sequeira, an opera commemorating the Quincentenary of Portugal-Thailand Diplomatic Relations (1511-2011). It is dedicated to the Duke of Bragança HRH Dom Duarte Pio, the project's honorary patron.The purposes of this research were 1) to review and synthesize history books and contemporary historic archives of the late period of King Narai of Siam's reign (1684-1688). This period was very critical in terms of Siamese identity in the global context when European aggression was evermore presented which lead to the fall of Narai's dynasty after his demise. 2) The use of the synthesized information is to construct the plot of Pero Vaz de Sequeira, a new opera with an alternative perspective of Siamese history.The research design of this study was qualitative research including two phases of study. Phase one, to study the historical data using documentary study. Phase two, to construct the plot of the opera using synthesized information starting from 1) general plot outlining the whole story, 2) specific plot in details with conflicts, 3) character portraying, and 4) constructing the libretto and narratives in the form of epistles.