Awakening Ancient Voices of Sang Sin
Xai through Radio
Tutu Phimviengkham
Gokhokho Publishing, Inc.
Washington, DC
USA
Abstract:
The people of Laos have a strong oral tradition that is quickly disappearing in
the modern era, taking with it the oral rendition of such epic poems like Sang
Sin Xai, Vetsantrasadok (Phravetsandon), Xieng Mieng and others. Ironically, the
explosion of modern media may be attributed to the extinction of oral
transmission of knowledge and stories; however, such media also has the power to
recreate, reinvent and preserve the art of storytelling. This paper will
demonstrate how an ancient epic poem like Sang Sin Xai can be recreated with
media production for the young and old to enjoy.