Asian Elephants as Shakespeare Characters
The Elephant Hath Joints, But None For Courtesy
Originally written for Last Syllable Press
It's a little-known fact that while elephants don’t particularly enjoy circus tricks or even the rumored peanuts, they actually love performing classic theatre. So when I, a Shakespearean actor, came to work on the elephant sanctuary in Thailand, the elephants were eager to get some help picking out characters and monologues to workshop. Any good Shakespeare teacher will tell you that it's important to have an emotional connection to the text you're performing, so I helped my elephant friends find the characters that would fit their individual personalities.
Sribua—Helena, A Midsummer Night’ Dream. Her name means “Color of a Lotus Flower” in Thai, though it probably should be something closer to “clingy”. Sribua would be the perfect comedic and loveable Helena. Sribua’s Demetrius is Dok Koon, who she daily follows into the woods…and into any temple, town or field. When Sribua cannot find her sweet Dok Koon, she will trample through the woods, trumpeting and crying aloud until she finds her. Or, she will whine to the rest of us in grunts and croaks, which sounds just like a monologue of unrequited love. Dok Koon does always welcome Sribua with a warm trunk hug of “hello friend”, so the friendship is returned. Yet, more often than not, you will find Dok Koon leading the way with Sribua a few steps behind. Content to follow her, who she loves so well.
Dok Koon-- Imogen, Cymebline A little far-fetched? Well, hear me out. Imogen is loved by all, (well, mostly) everyone that meets her immediately wants to help her, love her, kidnap her or marry her to their son (depends on who you ask) but she definitely has a hold on everyone! Just like our Matriarch, Koon. Though Koon may not be the “Arabian Bird” as Imogen is described, her long eyelashes and sweet demeanor will win you over and have you following her across Kingdoms. Koon, like Imogen, is intelligent, brave and adventurous. Koon doesn’t need to wear boy’s clothing to get the job done, and no one has tried to steal her jewelry, but she will calmly solve any disagreement and keep peace and love at the forefront of this herd. Long live Princess Koon (Imogen) of Thailand!
Boonlai-- Beatrice, Much Ado About Nothing
Boonlai’s history has been relatively easy compared to the other rescues at Sappraiwan, but like her character Beatrice, she has been a little “sunburnt” by life. Though, now in her new home, she is fully able to show her intelligence, wit, and loyalty to friends. Boonlai has saved the day many times for her friends, choosing loyalty over love (read: food) just as Beatrice is ready to give up her love for Benedick if he doesn’t help her cousin. When Boonlai’s friends got lost and trumpeted for help, Boonlai set down her favorite love (again, read: food. Specifically, bananas) to swim across the lake to lead her friends to safety. Don’t worry audience! There are many more bananas in this Heroine’s future.
Ruayngern-- Ophelia, Hamlet
There’s always one tragic heroine in the herd, and Roy fits the costume. Let’s imagine Roy as the Ophelia that sorts things out and never drowns in muddy waters, though you’ll likely find her splashing around in the river. (She’s a really good swimmer and tends to eat the flowers instead of making coronets out of them, so don’t worry!) Roy, like Ophelia is loyal and innocent and she tends to shy away from center stage. But, unlike Ophelia, Roy is truly loved by all her caregivers and will never be “deject or wretched”. Roy is a silly girl who loves mud baths and eating sweets. If she ever does encounter a ‘willow aslant a brook’, you can be sure she will scratch against it and munch on the leaves.
Gumrai—Mercutio, Romeo and Juliet
Let’s be honest, when Mercutio enters the stage, he steals the show with his quick wit and bawdy jokes. Same for our breathtakingly tall, gorgeous and hilarious Gumrai. Gumrai is her own elephant, strongly independent, yet ready to fight to defend her herd. Like Mercutio, Gumrai will protect her friends, but she will also coerce them into mischief as quickly as one can forget last night’s dream. Gumrai is known to break into the food storage and sample what she can find. And, though there are no sword fights or ancient family feuds at Sappraiwan, Gumrai, like Mercutio, will be sure to sneak into any party—invited or not.
SangDao --Prospero, The Tempest
Sangdao, like her character Prospero, has had a bad string of luck in her past. But, also like Shakespeare’s fallen Duke turned Magical Island King, Sangdao’s inherent regal nature never fades. Sangdao is the oldest of our elephants, and though her body shows the years and racks of life, being near her is like being near Royalty. She strides amidst the jungle like she owns it, never looking for approval or permission. She is stately, wise and gobbles up her food like Prospero ate up his books. And, if you are lucky enough to be allowed close to her, look into her eyes, I’m positive you’ll see a glitter of magic twinkling there.
We love to play at Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary, and our elephant’s big characters fill us daily with joy and appreciation. Our little but fierce Elephant Sanctuary that takes in and cares for working elephants that deserve a safe, healthy and happy retirement. Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary focuses on rehabilitation and life-long care for elephants who need a safe haven after years of working in logging or the tourist industry. Our elephants are given personal and professional care, over 360 acres of free-roaming forest, all the natural and healthy supplemental food they want, and they never have to work again.
Asian Elephants are an endangered species, threatened with habitat loss and mistreatment in captivity. To learn more, please follow Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary on Facebook or Instagram, or visit us in Phitsanulok, Thailand. If you have questions, please contact us at sanctuary@sappraiwan.com