Pictures from Sovannahong (Part 1)

Pithi Sompeah Kru. An indispensable part of any classical Khmer performances is the ‘Pithi Sompeah Kru’ (ពិធី​សំពះគ្រូ), in which dancers pay respect to their forefathers and teachers and pray for a successful show. It was no different for this performance. Sovannahong’s own ceremony was led by HRH Princess Norodom Bopha Devi, who choreographed this piece with her team of elderly masters, finishing up her grandmother Queen Kossamak Nearirath Serey Wathana’s initial work in 1955.

Princess Keth Soryong, the main character in the story.

Princess Keth Soryong and her father Preah Bat Chetra, who in this scene was telling her his wish for her to marry a prince from a neighboring kingdom.

Feeling unhappy about her father’s plan, she requested his permission to visit the forest.

There she prayed to the spirits of the forest to help her find her true love. She floated a garland along with a letter down a stream, hoping the water would lead it to her Prince Charming.

Prince Sovannahong, who was also holidaying in the forest, found the garland and the letter. He was mesmerized by its fragrance and wished to meet its owner. He decided to follow his heart and traveled to Princess Keth Soryong’s kingdom, where the love at first sight began.

The Princess’s courtiers later found out about her love affair. Not wanting to risk their lives hiding the relationship, they set up a trap to kill Prince Sovannahong, who was to revisit the Princess the following night.

Not seeing his coming but bloodstain, the Princess was sure something bad had happened. Hoping to relieve this extreme distraught of her, a devada later appeared and brought her a magical potion and ring. The magical potion should be used to save Preah Sovannahong, whereas the ring to transform herself into a man.

To be continued