Morlam as Method

This chapter examines morlam, an oral tradition that has developed over centuries within local communities along the Mekong River basin in mainland Southeast Asia. Recognised as a shared cultural heritage between the people of Laos and Isan, the northeastern region of Thailand, morlam has evolved significantly from its roots in ritual music to its current status as popular music. The chapter draws on two exhibitions of morlam: “Joyful Khaen, Joyful Dance” at the Jim Thompson Art Center and “Ma Pong Khao, Sao Aok Dok” at The Morlam Bus, both co-curated by Gridthiya Gaweewong and Arthit Mulsarn. These exhibitions explore Morlam's social, political, cultural, and economic context in Isan, addressing cultural issues and contributing to knowledge about Morlam and Isan music's historical development, which has occurred through various historical contexts, including the absolute monarchy, the Cold War era, and the age of cultural globalisation

Anthropological Studies and Insights · Computer Science