A model of Buddhist-Somatic practice in Thai performer training
Abstract
This research project explores a possible performer training model of Buddhist-Somatic as a training method and approach to performance making. Using Thai Theravada Buddhist philosophy and its practices of mindfulness meditation as a framework, the principle of “Mindfulness/Meditation” encourages performers to mindfully observe bodymind experiences, direct bodymind consciousness to its objects, and respond to this embodied process as a somatic movement art. The concept of “Buddhist-Somatic” offers an opportunity to revisit the roots of mindfulness practice within what is now labelled as psychophysical and somatic approaches. It is also crucial for a more profound understanding and practical application of mindfulness techniques in contemporary contexts. The project conducted 60 h of training with a group of Thai undergraduate students using devised exercises in order to find a training exercise for embodying presence. Then, participants created their own solo performances using this model as an approach to their creative process and as technique in performing movement. This model allowed performers to move while deconstructing and responding to their self-experiences, which they can use as creative resources, inspiration, and movement initiations. This paper analyzes and discusses the training model resulting from the conducted workshop activities and the creative process.
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Kittikong (2024) describes mindfulness of breathing as the basis of a 'Buddhist-somatic' model where breath is a gateway to cultivating presence, self-awareness, and embodied expression in movement.
“as Kittikong (2024) notes, mindfulness of breathing forms the basis of what she terms a 'Buddhist-somatic' model, where breath is not only a physiological function but also a gateway to cultivating presence, self-awareness, and embodied expression in movement.”
From Exploring the integration of cultural roots in contemporary Thai actor training using the Delphi method (2025) · cites this paper as Kittikong (2024)
Breathwork provides a culturally rooted and philosophically rich resource for contemporary actor development.
“both of whom argue that breathwork provides a culturally rooted and philosophically rich resource for contemporary actor development.”
From Exploring the integration of cultural roots in contemporary Thai actor training using the Delphi method (2025) · cites this paper as Kittikong (2024)
Breathwork has seldom been formally acknowledged in Thai actor training, and only recently has it begun to receive academic attention in this context.
“Despite being an ancient practice widely observed within the Buddhist community in thailand, breathwork has seldom been formally acknowledged in thai actor training.only recently has it begun to receive academic attention in this context.”
From Exploring the integration of cultural roots in contemporary Thai actor training using the Delphi method (2025) · cites this paper as Kittikong, 2024
Kittikong (2024) describes breath as a gateway to developing mindfulness, embodied awareness, and presence.
“in her 2024 paper, A Model of Buddhist-Somatic Practice in Thai Performer Training, Kittikong also foregrounds the centrality of breathwork.she describes breath as a gateway to developing mindfulness, embodied awareness, and presence.”
From Exploring the integration of cultural roots in contemporary Thai actor training using the Delphi method (2025) · cites this paper as Kittikong, 2024
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Punpeng, G. (2025) · Cogent Arts & Humanities · doi:10.1080/23311983.2025.2570062
“…in schools and community settings as a foundational mindfulness technique. in the context of actor training, this practice holds particular value. as Kittikong (2024) notes, mindfulness of breathing forms the basis of what she terms a ‘Buddhist-somatic’ model, where breath is not only a…”
- Authors
- Kittikong, T.
- Corresponding author
- Kittikong, Tanatchaporn
- Venue
- Theatre, Dance and Performance Training
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2024-06-21
- Volume
- 15
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 655-670
- ISSN
- 1944-3919 (ISSN-L)
- 1944-3927
- OpenAlex
- W4399883407
- Cited by
- 1
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1
- FWCI
- 3.99
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Theatre Dance and Performance Training (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Visual Arts and Performing Arts › Theatre and Performance Studies
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Visual Arts and Performing Arts › Arts and Performance Studies
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Diversity and Impact of Dance
- Keywords
- mindfulness meditation, performer training, embodiment, presence, solo performance, psychophysical approach, creative process, movement initiation
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