It’s been ages since I last saw a live traditional Khmer dance performance. I am indeed very happy to see one at Sovanna Phum Theater this weekend, thanks to the invitation from Lok Kru Ieng Sithul and my good friends at Cambodian Living Arts.
Though merely a rehearsal performance, the show remained one of the best I’ve seen by far. Beginning with the mythical Robam Apsara (របាំអប្សរា), it featured various royal ballet and traditional folk dances as well as a brief Yike (យីកេ) scene from the all-time popular Cambodian romance Mak Theung.
Apart from Apsara Dance, I especially liked the third piece, Robam Ploy Suai (របាំភ្លយសួយ), best. Its fast, elegant movements, together with its upbeat accompanying music, tempted almost everyone to rock along. If any of you haven’t seen it, please make sure you check it out!!! It’s just so cool!
Robam Apsara
Robam Ploy Suai
Robam Krama Khmer
Robam Moni Mekhala
Pailin Peacock Dance
That said, what continues to fascinate me until this moment isn’t only the performance but also the inspiring stories behind this dance troupe and its members.
Based right inside the Bassac slum community and currently supported by Cambodian Living Arts, the group was formed five years ago by Lok Kru Ieng Sithul, who at one time was also a resident of the community. It presently trains dances and music to almost 30 kids from within the area – many of whom were once street kids and who were on the verge of falling into drug addiction and prostitution.
From almost becoming a kind of people that our society often marginalizes, these boys and girls have proved to the rest of us, Cambodia and the whole world of how great they are. They are full of Khmer pride, confidence, integrity, and talents. And as loyal protectors of our millennium-old heritage and art, they have made themselves great role models for other Cambodian youth. By all means, Lok Kru Ieng Sithul, along with them all, deserves a very nice pad of the back for this selfless commitment and perseverance. I sincerely appreciate everything you guys’ve done.
Just so you know, the group will be leaving for their two-month France tour later this month. My Cambodian-French folks, please watch out for these great artists!!! I guarantee they rock!
P.S.: To view the whole photo album from the performance, click HERE!
great pics , great writing too .
Great stuff brother M .
D the C
I was not keen on music and art when I was young. However, I have been fascinated by Khmer art and music now especially classical and traditional ones. I think they should be more promoted because they tell people what we are.
My their bride future do justice to these talented kids! Thanks for sharing.
Looks so living. Thanks for sharing!
P/s: I prefer the last theme, it’s cleaner, bigger.
Wish to witness it with my own eyes one day! Thanks for sharing!
I love the photos. Very nice and professional. By the way, where the hell are you now, A Ploy? Yes, I love the Ploy Suoy too, my favorite folklore dance piece. The dance is from Kg Speu.
I am here in PP. Been very busy with work. How are you? We need to get together soon, man.
so many great shots, thanks. so many familiar faces too, I worked with these kids during the summer.
pichdararith
Hi Rith-
How nice to hear from you. I talked to Bunleang the other day about this year’s SEALNET project. Too bad they are not coming to Cambodia this year.
Hope all is well on your end. Are you visiting Cambodia this summer anyways?
-Mongkol
Beautiful,,,love all the pictures