By Itsarin Tisantia
Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
Teacher’s Day on January 16 is a special occasion for students to express gratitude toward their teachers who have tirelessly provided invaluable knowledge and guidance throughout their entire lives.
This week’s Exercises takes a look at one of the most famous teachers in the acting industry.
Patravadi Meechuthon, or Khru Lek, is one of the most respected actors, directors and teachers in Thailand’s acting industry. She has taught performing arts, as well as produced and directed numerous stage plays, musical plays, soap operas and movies — many of which were made to nurture Buddhism and Thai culture.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Patravadi, 67, was born on May 27, 1948. She attended high school at Micklefield School in England.
Patravadi studied performing arts at Pasadena Playhouse in the US, costume design at Joycelyn Ryan in the US, performing arts at STSI in Indonesia, contemporary dance and voice training at Langara College in Canada, as well as Thai classical dance from celebrated artist Theerayuth Yuangsri.
EXPERIENCED ARTIST
Patravadi rose to fame after having starred in her first movie, Mai Mee Sawan Samrab Khun (No Heaven for You), which earned her the best actress ward at the 1974 Tukkata Thong Awards.
Patravadi starred in more than 10 TV well-known soap operas, such as Karuehart Dam (Black Castle) in 1981, Bon Thanon Sai Deaw Kan (One the Same Road) in 1985, Ballang Mek (Throne of Clouds) in 1993 and Wimandin (Heaven on Earth) in 2003.
HONOURABLE TEACHER
Patravadi introduced Broadway concerts and contemporary musical plays to Thailand. She also established Patravadi Theatre, which has produced countless professional actors and artists.
In recognition of Patravadi’s tireless effort that she has put into creating quality plays and supporting the acting industry, she was appointed a National Artist in the category of Performing Arts (stage plays and movies) in 2014.
Exercises
Read the story and decide whether the following statements are true or false.
1. Patravadi was appointed a National Artist in 2004.
……………….
2. Ballang Mek aired in 1981.
……………….
3. Patravadi was born in 1948.
……………….
4. Langara College is located in the US.
……………….
Vocabulary
- soap opera (n): a story about the lives and problems of a group of people which is broadcast several times a week on TV
nurture (v): to help somebody or something to develop and be successful
countless (adj): very many
tireless (adj): putting a lot of hard work and energy into something over a long period of time
