A Cambodian puppet show titled the Story of the Dog rocked Providence, RI this Friday night. Another revolution in Khmer performing arts, the Story of the Dog is an east-meets-west piece newly co-set up by Cambodia-based Sovannaphum Khmer Arts Association and Sandglass Theater Company from Vermont, USA. Combining performers from both companies, the story integrates Sandglass’ characteristic puppet style with beautiful traditional Cambodian shadow puppets, dance, and music.
Coming with me were Beth, Walter and their kids–Harry and Sara. I am so glad that I made it there, despite the long distance from Boston. Somehow, the show has brought me closer to the Cambodian communities over here. Prior to and right after the show, I met so many Khmericans, some of whom, just like us, had travelled all the way from Boston and Lowell just to enjoy this masterpiece. I am so impressed by the tremendous support they, as well as almost 300 other American audience, have for Khmer arts and performances.
However, that’s not all. While we were waiting for the Q&A session with the artists, we noticed one white guy approaching us from the distance. Surprising us from behind, he said, “Hello Mongkol and Beth! How are you? Mongkol, how are things going with your study?” At first I thought he was Beth’s friend, but yet how did he know my name? Hmmm.. A big question, huh? Only later did I find out that his name was Decker and he was one of our regular blog readers. Decker is from the UK and currently resides in Providence. He loves Cambodia and viewing Cambodia-related blogs is one of his ways to get in touch with Cambodia. Well, what a coincidence! Nice to meet you, Decker! 
I hope to see you again sometimes. :p
Well, it’s 2 am now.. I guess I’ve been writing enough. That’s enough for tonight’s midnight oil. 
For now, please enjoy some of the pics and video clip I got from Providence..
Viva Cambodia! Viva Khmer Arts!
Our quick dinner at Whole Food Supermarket in downtown Providence before the show
Chai Yam, something that brought me so much nostalgia tonight…
Khmer theatrical masks and handicrafts at the fundraising sale
Our artists giving a Hom Rong (ហោមរោង)
ពិធីសំពះគ្រូ
And here it began… It was truly awesome.
A short clip from one part of the show
Q&A session with the audience after the performance
The leather shadow puppet.. Isn’t it beautiful?
A close-up with one of the performers and puppets
With some of the performers that I personally know.. I really didn’t expect to see them here. Wish you all a safe journey home tomorrow.. You guys have done a wonderful job. I am proud of you and Cambodia…
Wow, you are fast!
I made a slide show out of your photos!
http://beth.typepad.com/cambodia4kidsorg/2006/10/sandglass_and_s.html
And, onto the videos.
Glad you enjoyed it as much as we did
Thank you so much for always remembering me whenever such cool events come up.
I saw the rehearsals in Phnom Penh, the artists seemed to be having a lot of fun. It’s great that they got to take the show overseas!
I believe there will be a short film about the development of this show, a filmmaker was working with Sandglass.
I’ll share news when I find out more.
Sounds like a great night out!
I would pay anything to see this, it looks amazing! I’m so jealous!!