Teacher's Day on January 16 is a special occasion for student to express gratitude towards their teachers who have tirelessly provided invaluable knowledge and guidance throughout their lives. This week's Exercises takes a look at one of the most famous teachers in the acting industry.
Tireless teacher
Patravadi Meechuthoon, or Khru Lek, is one of the most respected actor, 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 movie - many of which were made to nurture Buddhism and Thai culture.
EDUCATIONAL BACGROUND
Patravadi, 67, was born on May 27, 1948. She attended high school in England at Micklefield School.
Patravadi studied performing arts at Pasadena Playhouse in the US, costume design 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 Samrad Khun (No Heaven for you), which earned her the best actress award at the 1974 Tukkata Thong Awards.
Patravadi starred in more than 10 well-know TV soap operas, such as Karuehart Dam (Black Castle) in 1981, BonThanon 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.