the costumes, or on the craft stalls. My Reason for the Mudita Trust
There were also some big marquees By Sarapee Mudita Karnasuta
where stalls were set out, and others Founder and Trustee
where cookery demonstrations took
place – in these, of course, the light
was diffused and at a lower level.
The tricky area was on the stage A
s we all know there are always
two sides to everything in life.
Amidst all the splendour and
– most of the day this was either in the magical touches one can see and
heavy shadow or in bright sunlight feel in any city, Bangkok is no excep-
from one side of the stage – and tion. Whilst we see only the beautiful
so I tried using options of being in white beaches and the smiling faces
just one area or using the flash to of the village boys and girls, there
help balance the prevailing light is a serious problem, and a desper-
conditions. This changed late in the ate plea and terror in their hearts.
afternoon when the light came from Even though to outsiders Thailand
the front of the stage and at a lower is climbing towards its materialistic
angle, which made some aspects goal for economic success, because
easier. As the models performed of this reason it creates a gap between
twice a day, I also decided to the very rich and the very poor. The
photograph them from an alternative gap has become so wide now that
position at the level of the stage, it seems unbridgeable: the rich get
compared to taking them face on. richer and the poor get poorer until
Away from the stage there was they are totally forgotten and treated,
a real need to avoid intrusions not as humans, but more like cattle.
– whether tents, marquees, the steel The greed of the City stretches
security fencing or just other people. out its long arms to ruffle the simple
The space left was very confined so I and peaceful lives of the village
used flash quite frequently to enable folk, offering them the glittering
me to shoot against the light. In taste of the world they are not used
these circumstances I used a Sto-fen to. Blindly and full of ignorance the
diffuser to stop the flash being too simple folk touch the offerings, grab
harsh and creating hot-spots on faces. them and are never again the same!
When shooting into the stage area I Never again… instead they have
left the diffuser off the flash to allow to go on, liking it or not, grabbing for
it to cover the greater distance. more glitter. Selfishly and ignorantly
The Festival proved very popular they would go even as far as selling
and on the Sunday and Monday their daughters to satisfy their needs.
there were masses of folk, which The very sad thing is that they don’t
made it more difficult to capture even know what they are doing and
images that were not cluttered but the long, ugly and greedy arms do
clearly such a large attendance not care. Why should they? They have
was to the benefit of the charity. got what they have stretched out for
There was a specific activity I am Thai and I am totally devoted
on each day. Sunday featured a towards my country, my religion and
drum procession led by a large my Monarchy and this is the real rea-
Thai gong used to call people to son why there is a Mudita Trust. I love
participate in times of celebration. to see the childlike quality of trust
Monday’s activities included a and innocence in the children’s eyes,
Festival of Lights when lotus flowers and not desperation, pleas and terror.
containing lit candles, prepared For me, I will always carry the
by children, are floated on the Gold in my heart as they shimmer
lake following an exquisite candle and shine on the temple’s steeples,
dance as the sun went down. and Hope things can change.
Throughout the day Thai food null
and drink was consumed in huge
quantities and the craft stalls – with The trust supports schools in
goods ranging from clothing to underprivileged and rural areas in
jewellery – were very busy. There was Thailand. Donations have funded
a small floating market on one of the a careers centre to help the girls
lakes inside Secretts and this too was once they leave full time educa-
kept active; visitors loved the orchids tion. In recognition of her work,
and exotic fruits that were being sold. Mudita has recently been honoured
There were plenty of photographic with The Most Honourable Order
opportunities – from children to of the Direkgunaborn Silver Medal
close-ups of cultural activities. The (Seventh Class), equivalent of to the
renowned Thai hospitality helped to OBE in British Honours. To make
create a fun-filled atmosphere. So a donation please send a cheque
giving my services was worthwhile to Mudita Trust at The Hamilton
for me and, I hope, for the charity. Arms, School Lane, Stedham, Nr
– Peter Karry Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 0NZ.
null www.thehamiltonarms.co.uk
photoworld 28
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