In a sizzling display of talent and creativity, Bangkok University Theatre Company's students and alumni bring the razzle-dazzle of Chicago to life in a Thai adaptation that tackles themes of violence, adultery and murder. With bold performances and innovative staging, this university production is a testament to the capabilities of young artists. In the 150-minute full-scale performance, the university production cherry-picks the best elements of both the 2002 Hollywood film and the Broadway theatrical to create a multi-dimensional and diverse experience.
While staying faithful to the musical by Fred Ebb and John Kander and creative choreography and direction by Bob Fosse, the script, masterfully translated by Rattanachai Lueangwongngam, incorporates distinct Thai flavours. Obtaining the official copyright from Concord Theatricals from the US, the translated production doesn't feel out of place because the delivery and humour are well-executed. Using a translation method called dynamic or functional equivalence, the Thai libretto focuses on conveying the thought or meaning of the original text rather than adhering strictly to its literal form or word-for-word accuracy.
The newly translated script prioritises the message and ensures that the translation is natural in the target language. And it works! From original songs All That Jazz to Seet-Saat ( Spicy Sassy ), Mister Cellophane to Maa Huaa Naao ( Overlooked Outcast ) and Class to Huay ( Suck! ), the well-thought translati.
