Performance Communication in Contemporary Thai–Chinese Performance: A Catalyst for Soft Power and Cross-Cultural Relations

Abstract

This study examines the role of performance communication in contemporary Thai–Chinese collaborative performance and its implications for soft power and cross-cultural relations. Drawing on qualitative methods—including performance observation, semi-structured interviews with directors and performers, and thematic analysis of multimedia performance materials—the research investigates how symbolic forms, embodied communication, and hybrid aesthetics function as cultural mediation mechanisms. The findings reveal that contemporary Thai–Chinese performances employ gesture, movement, musical fusion, scenography, and culturally embedded symbols to articulate shared identities, negotiate cultural differences, and construct hybrid cultural meanings. These communicative processes align with theoretical perspectives that conceptualize performance as both an expressive art form and a socio-cultural communication system. The study further demonstrates that Thai–Chinese performance serves as a catalyst for cultural soft power through three interrelated dimensions: the communication of cultural values, the generation of affective engagement, and the production of positive cultural imagery. These dynamics enhance cultural attractiveness and contribute to cultural diplomacy initiatives by strengthening bilateral relations and expanding platforms for intercultural dialogue. Additionally, the study identifies how performance communication bridges historical, diasporic, and contemporary narratives, enabling performers and audiences to co-construct intercultural understanding within an increasingly interconnected Asian context. Overall, this research advances theoretical insights into performance communication, intercultural performance, and hybrid cultural identity, while offering practical implications for cultural policy, creative diplomacy, and the development of intercultural performance platforms. The study underscores the potential of contemporary Thai–Chinese performance to function not only as cultural expression but also as an instrument for relational influence and soft power in the evolving landscape of Thai–Chinese socio-cultural relations.