Sisters May and Min have very different ideas of what it means to be in love in ‘Love Invisible’.

Romantic Thai theatre comes of age in 'Love Invisible'

It doesn't matter if your heart's desire can see your love - what's more important is that you are in love. Love can be nothing and everything. That's because falling in love doesn't happen to everyone; being in love doesn't mean it will be reciprocated; and the feeling of love may be unfulfilling, leading you to chase after it constantly. One thing's for certain, though: we all need love.

"Love Invisible", a new Thai play about lonely hearts, may not be what we expect from such a well-established professional company as Crescent Moon Theatre (Prachan Siew Karn Lakorn). The company scored a big hit with audiences and critics alike with 2007's "Bitter Love" ("Salang").

"This play is probably a little softer than 'Salang', says director Kavinthorn Saengsakorn, a long-time member of the troupe. "Basically, it has four characters connected through different aspects of love."

Kavinthorn co-wrote "Love Invisible" with Sineenadh Keitprapai, artistic director of Crescent Moon, who penned and staged "Salang".

True stories

"About 50 per cent of what's happening on stage here is based on true stories. I have many younger friends who've been depressed about their failed romances  - some even contemplating suicide. I've also noticed the recent cases of lovesick students who've decided to end their misery simply by jumping off buildings. I'd like to tell them to really open their eyes and look around. They may feel they have no one to turn to, but in fact there's plenty of help."

"Although the overall style is realistic, we're also experimenting with the use of multimedia, to enhance certain emotional moments."

Four lovers

The cast comprises one newcomer and three veterans. Piangpaitoon Satravaha is Min, a sensitive woman who's running after love; TV actor Jirayudh Chaichieng-aim takes on the role of Mac, a promising young star who refuses to reveal his love; Pavinee Samakkabutr, who thrilled audiences in "The Mind Game" last month, portrays May, Min's elder sister for whom to love is to give; and Kriengkrai Fookasem, the most outstanding thespian in "Breaking the Surface", plays May's friend Ton, a cheery guy who's hiding his true love.

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>> "Love Invisible" is onstage at the Crescent Moon Space, at the Pridi Banomyong Institute on Soi Thonglor, tonight until Sunday, and July 4 to 6. Showtime is 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are Bt250, and Bt200 for students.  Reservations are highly

recommended as there are only 30 seats available per performance.

Call (081) 259 6906 or visit www.CrescentMoonTheatre.com.