Burapha University Students Tackle Marine Pollution with Creative Theatre Project: ‘P. Pla Jeyb Poong’ (The Fish with a Stomach Ache), Bangsaen, Thailand – [Date, e.g., November 11, 2025] – Burapha University is pleased to announce the successful staging of the creative theatre production, ‘P. Pla Jeyb Poong, a project designed to cultivate environmental conservation awareness, explicitly targets the critical issue of coastal pollution in Bangsaen. The performances, held on October 25-26, 2068, directly addressed SDG 14: Life Below Water, and align with Indicator 14.3.1 (Conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans) through public engagement events.
Project Coordinator: Asst. Prof. Kanapot Wirattanachai / Sirameth Akkarapakulseth
Objectives:
The project was necessitated by the persistent problem of marine debris and untreated waste discharged along the Bangsaen coastline, which severely impacts local marine life and the community’s quality of life. The core objectives of this initiative were: • To provide students with practical experience in developing creative theatrical productions linked to real-world environmental challenges. • To instil an environmental conservation consciousness in children and young adults through the medium of performing arts. • To enhance students’ teamwork competencies and public communication skills.
Program Activities:
This project saw students from the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts adapt the script from the research-based puppet show, “P. Pla Puad Tong” (The Fish with a Stomach Ache), developed by Asst. Prof. Kanapoot Viruttanachai is a faculty member in the Performing Arts program. The script was redeveloped into a children’s play, transitioning from a puppet show to a live-actor format. Concurrently, appropriate set designs and costumes were meticulously created to enhance children’s comprehension of each character’s role and nature. The performance strategy prioritised accessibility and direct engagement with the target audience—local children. The play was staged at the Play and Learn Area of the Burapha University Institute of Marine Science, thereby integrating the learning experience with marine science education. The central narrative focused on building environmental stewardship, specifically emphasising waste reduction to prevent it from entering the aquatic environment. The play communicated simple, actionable daily practices for the audience, such as correct waste disposal and separation.
Expected Outcomes (Impacts):
The project yielded several positive impacts across the audience and educational community: • Child Audience Engagement: Child viewers demonstrated an ability to practice waste disposal correctly and sorting by type immediately following the performance. • Parental Awareness: Parents expressed significant interest in the play’s content, which reflected the pervasive issues of poor waste segregation and public littering. • Community Insight: The audience gained an understanding that a significant source of the Bangsaen beach litter problem stems primarily from improper household waste management rather than just direct disposal on the beach. • Educational Interest: Teachers supervising students visiting the Institute of Marine Science expressed keen interest in the creative process and methodology employed in the project’s development.
Date of Implementation: Oct 25-26, 2025
