A Taste of Peking Opera

Known as Jingju (京剧) in Chinese, the Beijing or Peking Opera is one of the most treasured art forms in China. Formerly reserved only for the emperors of the Qing Dynasty, the Opera combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics. Unlike its counterpart in other parts of the world, Jingju is highly renowned for its unique facial paintings  whose designs represent different characters’ roles. For example, a red face usually depicts heroic bravery, uprightness and loyalty; a white face symbolizes a sinister, treacherous and guile character and a green face connotes surly stubbornness, impetuosity and lack of self-restraint.

As a big fan of art and music, I have always longed to see it live. Growing up in a Cambodian-Chinese family, I remember listening to it almost everyday. Though she spoke no mandarin, other than some basic Toechew, my grandmother was a big fan of it. She would put it on all day and would be super mad if any of us ever messed up with her tapes. To her, it was one of the things she couldn’t live without…

And unconsciously, Chinese opera started to sound more beautiful to me.

Two weeks ago, a Chinese friend shared with me that the Confucius Institute was going to bring the dance to our campus at the end of October. The show will be performed by artists from China’s National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts, and will include excerpts from some of the most famous stories in ancient Chinese literature.

Finally, the day (Oct 30) came. With 5 other friends, I went to the show with excitement. The show was very interesting, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s simply very different from other shows I’ve been to, in the way that audience could get up close with the performers and try some of the Opera’s beautiful moves. If only all classical performances elsewhere could be the same. That was a smart move to promote one’s culture to the world.

An audience trying out a move with an artist

The troupe’s next stop will be in Alaska and New York City. Do check them out if you are around there. More pictures from the show are available here.

Khmer Gold at the National Museum

While in Phnom Penh, I decided to make a unplanned visit to the National Museum. Though not my first time, the visit was as interesting and worthwhile as always. The major draw this time, though, was nothing else but a new exhibit on rare Angkorian gold and jewelry, never seen before in Cambodia.

A recent donation by British businessman and an author of Khmer Gold Douglas A. J. Latchford, the collection dates back to the 11th-12th century. It comprises of exquisitely designed belts, rings, headdresses and diadems, crowns, earrings, armbands, chignon covers and bracelets, believed to be worn by ancient Khmer kings in the heydays of the Khmer Empire. While their age and origin remain unclear, the items were found by Latchford in antique stores in Bangkok.

Some of the jewelry currently on display. Please excuse my abuse of the “no photography in the museum” rule.

The sight of them totally stunned me. Until that very day, I had always thought that these precious items had already been lost. I am thankful to Mr. Latchford, who was so kind to return them to Cambodia. Your kindness will be forever remembered by all Cambodians, and I’ll proudly say that you are one of the rare heroes out there that our world needs.

As for my readers, please don’t miss this exhibit! Do stop by the National Museum whenever you have a chance. I guarantee you will love this!

Pictures from Sovannahong (Part 2)

For the rest of the photos from Sovannahong, please click on the above thumbnail. Enjoy!

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.

Sovannahong – The Revival of the Late Queen’s Work

ស្នាដៃ​ពី​ដើម​នៃ​រឿង សុវណ្ណហុង នេះ​ជា​ព្រះរាជ​តម្រិះ​ផ្ដួចផ្ដើម​របស់ ព្រះ​មហាក្សត្រីយានី ស៊ីសុវត្ថិ កុសុមៈ នារីរ័ត្ន សិរីវឌ្ឍនា ដែល​ព្រះអង្គ​សព្វ​ព្រះទ័យ ជា​យូរ​មក​ហើយ ហើយ​ក៏​បាន​ហាត់​សម​បង្កើត​ក្បាច់​រាំ​ជា​គោល​ៗ តាម​តួ​អង្គ​មួយ​ចំនួន ដោយ​ប្រទាន​ឲ្យ សម្ដេច​ព្រះរាម នរោត្ដម បុប្ផាទេវី ហាត់​ផ្ទាល់​ព្រះកាយ​ជា​តួអង្គ កេតសូរិយង្គ។ ដោយ​ពុំ​ទាន់​ដែល​បាន​តម្លើង​ជា​ការ​សម្ដែង​ពេញ​លេញ​នៅ​ឡើយ​នោះ ហើយ​ក៏​មាន​ជំនួយ​ឧបត្ថម្ភ​អំពី​មូលនិធិ​ Rockerfeller សម្ដេច​ព្រះ​រាម​ក៏​បាន​លើក​យក​ស្នាដៃ​នេះ​មក​តម្លើង​ក្នុង​គោល​បំណង​រក្សា​កេរតំណែល​បុព្វបុរស និង​ចង់​បង្ហាញ​នូវ​ស្នាដៃ​ល្ខោន​ក្បាច់​បុរាណ​ដែល​ធ្លាប់​មាន​តាំង​ពី​ជំនាន់​ដើម ហើយ​ពុំ​ទាន់​ត្រូវ​បាន​ស្រាវជ្រាវ​យក​មក​តម្លើង​ជា​ថ្មី​ឡើង​វិញ។

សង្ខេប​រឿង

នៅ​ឯ​នគរ​គ្រាមាបូរី ស្ដេច​យក្ស ព្រះបាទ​ចិត្រា មាន​ព្រះរាជ​បុត្រី​មួយ​ព្រះអង្គ ដែល​មាន​រូប​ឆោម​លោម​ពណ៌​ល្អ​ស្អាត​គួរ​ជា​ទី​ចាប់​ចិត្ត ថែម​ទាំង​ចេះ​វិជ្ជា​សិល្ប៍​សាស្ត្រ​ផង​ដែរ។ ព្រះ​បិតា​បាន​ត្រាស​ថា​និង​រៀប​ចំ​អភិសេក​ព្រះនាង​ឲ្យ​មាន​ព្រះ​ស្វាមី នាំ​ឲ្យ​ព្រះនាង​ព្រួយ​ព្រះទ័យ​យ៉ាង​ខ្លាំង។ ព្រះនាង​ក៏​បាន​ទូល​សុំ​ព្រះ​បិតា​ទៅ​ក្រសាល​សួន។ ស្នំ​ឯក​ក៏​បាន​លួង​លោម​ក្សត្រីយ៍ កុំ​ឲ្យ​ព្រួយ​បារម្ភ ហើយ​ក៏​បាន​នាំ​ស្នំ​ដទៃ​ទៀត​បេះ​ផ្កា​មក​ថ្វាយ ធ្វើ​ជា​ភួង​មាលា​ផ្សង​អក្ខរា​តាម​ភួង​មាលា​នោះ​ដើម្បី​រក​គូ​ពី​អតីតជាតិ។

ថ្លែង​ពី​សុវណ្ណហុង​នាំ​ពល​សេនា​មក​ក្រសាល​តាម​ដង​គង្គា ហើយ​ក៏​រើស​បាន​កម្រង​ភួង​មាលា​នោះ​ទើប​ព្រះ​អង្គ​បាន​យាង​ទៅ​តាម​រក​ម្ចាស់​ភួង​មាលា​ព្រះនាង​កេតសូរិយង្គុ។ ព្រះអង្គ​និង​ព្រះនាង​ក៏​បាន​ចាប់​ចិត្ត​ប្រតិព័ទ្ធ​លើ​គ្នា ហើយ​ព្រះអង្គ​សន្យា​ថា​នឹង​មក​ជួប​ព្រះនាង​រៀងរាល់​រាត្រី។ ពួក​ស្នំ​ឃើញ​ដូច្នោះ ក៏​កើត​ការ​ព្រួយ​បារម្ភ​ខ្លាច​ស្ដេច​យក្ស​ទ្រង់​ជ្រាប​និង​ដាក់​ទោសា​មិន​ខាន។ ពួក​ស្នំ​ក៏​បាន​លួច​ដាក់​អន្ទាក់​សម្លាប់ ដែល​ធ្វើ​ឲ្យ​សុវណ្ណហុង​រង​របួស​យ៉ាង​ដំណំ។ សុវណ្ណហុង​ក៏​បាន​ឡើង​ជិះ​ហង្ស​យន្ត ដែល​ជា​យានជំនិះ​របស់​ខ្លួន​វិល​ទៅ​ព្រះនគរ​វិញ។

ក្រោយ​ពី​បាត់​សុវណ្ណហុង​មិន​ឃើញ​មក​ជួប​តាម​សន្យា ព្រះនាង​កេតសូរិយង្គ ក៏​បាន​តាម​រក ហើយ​ក៏​បាន​ឃើញ​លោហិត​នៅ​លើ​ប្រថពី ទើប​សោយសោក​យ៉ាង​ខ្លាំង។ ទេវតា​មួយ​ក៏​បាន​និម្មតិ​ខ្លួន​ឡើង យាង​មក​ប្រទាន​ឱសថ​ទិព្វ​និង​ព្រះ​ទម្រង់ ហើយ​មាន​បន្ទូល​ឲ្យ​ព្រះនាង​ទៅ​តាម​ប្រោស​សុវណ្ណហុង។ ព្រះនាង​កេតសូរិយង្គ ពាក់​ចិញ្ចៀន​ហើយ​ក៏​ប្រែ​ក្រឡា​ទៅ​ជា ព្រាហ្មកេត ចេញ​ដំណើរ​ទៅ​តាម​រក​សុវណ្ណហុង។ តាម​ផ្លូវ​ព្រាហ្មកេត (ព្រះនាង​ក្លែងក្លាយ) ក៏​បាន​ជួប​យក្ខ​គម្ព័ន្ធ ដែល​ប៉ង​យាយី។ ព្រះនាង​បាន​ច្បាំង​ជាមួយ​យក្ខ​នោះ ហើយ​យក្ខ​ក៏​​ចុះ​ចាញ់​សុំ​តាម​ដង្ហែរ ដោយ​ប្រែក្រឡា​ទៅ​ជា​ព្រាហ្ម​តូ​ដែរ។

នៅ​ឯ​ព្រះនគរ​របស់​សុវណ្ណហុង​វិញ ព្រះមហាក្សត្រ ព្រួយ​ព្រះរាជ​ហឫទ័យ​ជា​ខ្លាំង​ចំពោះ​ការ​សោយទីវង្គត​របស់​សុវណ្ណហុង។ ព្រាហ្ម​ក្លែង​ខ្លួន​ទាំង​២​ក៏​បាន​ទៅ​ដល់ ហើយ​សុំ​ព្រះរាជានុញ្ញាតិ​ប្រោស​ព្រះ​ក្សត្រា​ឲ្យ​រស់​រាន​មាន​ជីវិត​ឡើង​វិញ។ ព្រាហ្ម​ក្លែងក្លាយ (ព្រះនាង​កេតសូរិយង្គ) ក៏​បាន​ប្រោស​សុវណ្ណហុង​ឲ្យ​មាន​ជីវិត​ឡើង​វិញ ហើយ​ក៏​ថ្វាយ​បង្គំ​លា​មក​កាន់​ព្រះនគរ​វិញ​ភ្លាម ព្រោះ​ខ្លាច​សុវណ្ណហុង​នៅ​ខ្ញាល់​អំពី​ពួក​ស្នំ​លួច​ធ្វើ​គត់​ព្រះអង្គ។ បន្ទាប់​ពី​ដឹង​ព្រះកាយ​ឡើង​វិញ ព្រះ​មាតា​បិតា​ក៏​មាន​ព្រះ​បន្ទូល​ប្រាប់​ពី​ហេតុការណ៍។ សុវណ្ណហុង​ដឹង​ថា​ប្រាកដ​ជា​ព្រះនាង​កេតសូរិយង្គ ក៏​ថ្វាយ​បង្គំ​លា​ទៅ​តាម​រក​ព្រះនាង​នៅ​គ្រា​នោះ​ទៅ៕

ដកស្រង់ចេញ​ពីសៀវភៅដែល​ផ្តល់​ជូន​ក្នុង​ពេលសម្តែង​

An Evening of Royal Khmer Masterpiece

This evening I was fortunate to witness another spectacular royal ballet performance, thanks to my buddy Rithisal, who had offered me and my family six complimentary tickets.

Performed at Chenla today and tomorrow evening, the show is entitled “Preah Anurudh and Preah Neang Ossa” (ព្រះ​អនរុទ្ធ និង ព្រះនាង​ឳស្សា). It is a brand new production choreographed by Ms. Pen Sok Huon, Director of the Dance School of the Secondary School of Fine Arts, and produced by Amrita Performing Arts.

The story is about Preah Anurodh of the Kingdom of Norangka, who was visiting the forest and saw angels playing in a pond there. Attracted by their incredible beauty, Preah Anorudh and his soldiers went after them and made them scarily run away. The soldiers kept chasing and left th behind. Lost and exhausted, Prince Anurudh later fell asleep under a tree.

The spiritual protector of the tree predicted Prince Anurudh was fated to be the lover of Preah Neang Ossa, the daughter of the Demon, and so delivered him to Ossa’s chamber.

Not seeing their prince, the soldiers then reported his disappearance to Preah Chakrith, his grandfather. Preah Chakrith was devastated. He ordered a garuda to fly him to the Kingdom of the Demons – where Anurudh and Ossa had now been in love and slept together. Preah Neang Ossa’s brother, Tuosamook came to Ossa’s room to find them sleeping together. He was furious. He brought the news to his father, the King of the Demons, who ordered his soldiers to arrest and tie Anurudh to the tower of his temple.

Preah Chakrith arrived to find Preah Neang Ossa crying bitterly. Ossa then proceeded to recount what had transpired, after which Preah Chakrith casted a magic spell to release Preah Anurudh and dispatched the couple back to their kingdom.

Since pictures paint a thousand words, I’ll let them do justice for the show. You’ll love it, I guarantee!! That said, I just wanna mention it again that there remains another performance at 6 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday.)

Let’s support Khmer performing arts and help make it forever alive!!

Preah Anurudh and his soldiers

Prince Anurudh

The tree protector brings Preah Anurudh to Preah Neang Ossa’s chamber.

The courtship

The Tai Lues in Yunnan Also Say “Suasdei”

I was visiting on Lao forum this morning and accidentally found a Youtube video on Tai Lue new year. FYI, the “Tai Lues” are one of the Tai tribes in Yunnan, Southern China. They share very similarity to the Thais and Laotians, in terms of language, belief, system of writing, music, architecture, and the like.

What struck me in the video was that the Tai Lues also use “Suasdei,” the Cambodian word for “Hello,” in greetings. In many ways, their language seems to be a combination of Khmer and Thai/Lao together. For instance, they would say “Suasdei Pee Mai” to mean “Happy New Year,” instead of “Sawadee Pee Mai” or “Sabaidee Pee Mai” as in Thai or Lao respectively.

My question is whether “Suasdei” is a real Khmer word. If so, could the Tai Lues’ use of “Suasdei” be a result of Cambodia’s past cultural dominance over the area? If I’m not wrong, our boundary wasn’t that far north back in the days of the Angkorian Empire.

Please watch the following video clip to get a better sense of what I’m talking about. It’d be interesting to hear your comments on the issue. Cheers!

ពីនេះពីនោះ From Royal Plowing Ceremony 2008

Anticipating a great photo op, I decided to tag along with Dad to the Royal Plowing Ceremony at Veal Preah Meru (វាលព្រះមេរុ) this morning. As a matter of fact, I used to see it only on TV before. It was really awesome to witness it live for the first time. Unbelievably colorful. I’m loving it! Yay!

Let’s see what I got from the day! Cheers!

Morning Procession. The ceremony started with a breathtaking procession from the Royal Palace to Veal Preah Meru – where the ceremony was held. Presiding over the ceremony were His Majesty the King and hundreds of officials, dignitaries, diplomatic corps and the public.

Culture Day-cum-New Year Celebration 2008

Driving along the Russian Federation Boulevard last Saturday, passerby must have noticed that something was slightly out of ordinary at the typically tranquil IFL campus. All around this prestigious institute were lines of people in their best traditional outfits patiently queuing for registration. Blaring moderately loud were mindsoothing traditional Cambodian new year melodies, obviously telling us that some sort of festivity must be going on. For those who were there, the event was actually nothing else but the Culture Day-cum-Khmer New Year Celebration, an annual festivity held to raise awareness within the IFL community about Cambodian culture and heritage, and to mark the arrival of Cambodian new year.

Attending this event were H. E. Pit Chamnan, former Rector of the Royal University and currently Secretary of State of the Ministry of Education; IFL administrative and lecturing staff; and over 1,000 other students. The ceremony started off with an opening address by Dr. Mao Sokan, the Vice Rector of the Royal University, followed by another speech from H. E. Pit Chamnan. Central to the event that morning, however, were not the speeches. Instead they were cultural performances performed by the students and staff of the Institute and a forty-five minute Chapei duel by Cambodia’s Ray Charles Kong Nay and his protege Sin Soy. 

As a graduate and lecturer of IFL who has been away for so long, I can’t describe enough how glad I am to be back in time for the fun. For us people in the IFL community, this is the most exciting event of the year. It is one among the many activities that the IFL management team has come up in recent years to expand our students’ educational experiences beyond the academic sphere.

Since pictures are said to paint a thousand words, why don’t we let them PICTURES describe some of the day’s major highlights?

The most beautiful dance of the day, Robam Phuong Neary was performed by some members of the IFL Dance Club, a club founded by IFL deputy director Suos Man in 2000. I myself was also a member of it during my undergraduate years.

Kong Nay dueling with his protege Sin Soy on this year’s main themes – culture and ethics.

A short standup comedy show by IFL’s one and only Om Soryong and his student Vattey. ប្រសិន​បើ​អ្នក​ទាំងអស់​គ្នា​ឆ្ងល់​ថា​គាត់ហ្នឹង​ជានរណា គាត់ហ្នឹងឯងអធិរាជកំប្លែងស្ងួត​ប្រចាំ IFL។

Just look at the smiles on these faces! They should very well tell you how much they were enjoying themselves.

Following the yummy buffet lunch came the PARTAY time Cambodian styled

In other words, lecturers and students alike needed to hit the dancefloor.

I was very glad to run into some of my students from several years ago, who already graduated yet couldn’t help coming back to this annual fun.​ All that said, they are my pride. I am so proud to learn about what they’ve been doing and achieved in the past years. Keep up the good work, guys!

An Afternoon of Traditional Khmer Treats

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!

Hangi: Traditional Maori Cooking

At the WOMAD New Zealand’s welcome ceremony yesterday, I had an opportunity to try Maori food for the first time. Consisting mainly of grilled meat, potatoes and pumpkins, the meal was nothing like other foods I’ve had. Its taste was very plain yet tasty. But what intrigued me most was the way the Maori cooked them. And as you could see in the above picture, everything was cooked right in the ground – in a cooking style called ‘Hangi.’

What is ‘Hangi’? 

‘Hangi’ (pronounced ‘Ha-ngi’) is the traditional Maori method of cooking in the ground with hot stones. In Rotorua and Taranaki, where natural steam is available, most hangi are prepared by harnessing the natural steam that comes from the geothermal activity. Where this is not available, the steam has to be created, and this is done in an ingenious way.

How do they do it? 

 

A cooked Hangi meal 

According to some of the Maori ladies I talked to yesterday, to begin with, a large pit is dug and firewood is placed over it. Heavy rocks called ‘hangi rocks’ are put on top of the firewood and it is lit. As the firewood burns, the heated hangi stones fall into the pit. In steel baskets, the hangi food or ‘kai’ is put into the pit and covered with leaves and dirt to seal the heat in. The food cooks for 3 to 4 hours and emerges as a steaming feast of pork, lamb, fish, kumara, potatoes and pumpkin that all have a very distinctive ‘hangi’ flavor. Then it’s time to eat and enjoy.

Wanna try Maori styled food? Then try Hangi at home.  

Quote of the Day

~~An exerpt from an incription by
HM King Udayaditiyavarman II (circa A.D. 11th century),
found at an ancient Khmer temple in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Human Weapon: Cambodian Blood Sport

Bred in dark jungles of Southeast Asia, Pradal Serey is a devastating striking art of bone shattering kicks and punches.  Some argue this ancient fighting art of the mysterious Angkor Empire is the forefather of modern Muay Thai. Little is known about outside Cambodia’s borders.

From gritty urban fighting pits to the sweltering jungles of the north, hosts Jason Chambers and Bill Duff of the History Channel, journey into the heart of Pradal Serey to perfect the vicious strikes of this brutal martial art. Along the way they’ll race water buffalo against natives in a 1000 year old village festival and learn the ancient killing techniques of Khmer warriors. Their journey culminates when they enter the ring to battle it out against a 4 time Pradal Serey champion.

Videos courtesy of f4l209

Sand Art

Let’s Talk About Love

3rd Day: Norwich

Located in the Eastern England, Norwich was our next destination after London. Norwich was also the first venue for Master Kong Nay and Savy’s show. With 127,600 residents, Norwich is the fourth most densely populated local authority district within the Eastern Region.

We arrived here night before to find this little city so lovely and laid back. Through a friend, Dickie had found a British family who agreed to let us stay in their apartment for the next three days. The apartment locates right in the city center. Stores, restaurants and shopping centers are all just a stone’s throw away — which made our life pretty easy.

Our Thursday schedule was pretty packed. We had one live interview that noon with BBC Radio Norfolk, a rehearsal and sound check in the afternoon and most important of all our first show that night.

INTERVIEW WITH RADIO NORFOLK

BBC Norwich Headquarter

Master Kong Nay and his wife Tat Chhen waiting for the interview

The Lunch Hour Show with David Clayton

Everyone was in a big smile after the successful interview.

INAUGURATING SHOW

Our inaugurating show went very well. For a first night and in a small town like Norwich, a house of 30 audience wasn’t bad at all. Among those came were two Cambodian ladies, Sophy and Soveacha, who had married to English men and had moved here a while back. A Siem Reap native, Sophy came to England in 2002. Together with her husband, she now runs an Asian grocery store called Oriental Express in Norwich Market. Soveacha, originally from Phnom Penh, came to England fifteen years ago after falling in love with a British UN peacekeeper. She is now pursuing her BBA at Norwich CIty College and is working part-time in a small company here in Norwich.

Our show began at 7:30 pm with a 50-minute screening of The Flute Player, a PBS documentary about the life and work Cambodian Living Arts Founder Arn Chorn-Pond, who faced the dark shadows of his war-torn past as he fought to save Cambodia’s once outlawed traditional music from extinction. An extraordinary story of survival, this documentary received very positive responses from the audience.

Following the documentary came the most important part of the show — a live performance by Master Kong Nay and Savy. This one-hour presentation included four songs from Master Kong Nay, one song from Savy, a Q&A session and a duet by the two. As an MC and interpreter, I was so pleased with how the show went. I’ve never been happier and more proud. The sweet and powerful voice of the Chapei, Kong Nay and Savy swept everybody off their feet. The audience just didn’t seem to have enough. Viva Khmer art and pride!!

Master Kong Nay and Savy in action

With some of the audience at the end of the show. Sophy and Soveacha are the second and third ladies from the left.

The Met Musuem: World of Arts

Our last stop in New York City was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is typically known among the locals as the Met Museum. Located on the eastern edge of Central Park, this museum was by far the largest I’ve ever been to. It was so large that it would probably take you more than a day to thoroughly tour it. The fact that Brent and I had woken up too late that day and that we had to catch a bus back to Boston early that evening gave us too short of a time to really have a good tour of it. I guess we will just have to go back again in the near future.

According to its brochure, the Met was opened on February 20, 1872. It now permanently houses more than two million works of art, divided into nineteen curatorial departments. Represented in the permanent collection are works of art from classical antiquity and Ancient Egypt, paintings and sculptures from nearly all the European masters, and an extensive collection of American and modern art.

The Met’s art deco hallway

The Met also maintains extensive holdings of African, Asian, Oceanic, Byzantine and Islamic art. It is also home to encyclopedic collections of musical instruments, costumes and accessories, and antique weapons and armor from around the world. A number of notable interiors, ranging from 1st century Rome through modern American design, are permanently installed in the Met’s galleries.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the Met organizes and hosts large traveling shows throughout the year.

With such a large variety of options, we really had a hard time deciding. We had very little time yet wanted to see almost everything. All the works just appeared too kool to be missed. In the end, we both came up with five options. We would begin with the armor section — which we both loved to see the most, followed by the post-modern and contemporary painting and the magnificent Greek, Roman, Chinese and Southeast Asian (mostly Cambodian) art sections.

Are you ready? Let’s go together!

THE ARMOR SECTION

The Roman Knights

Steamy Summer 2007 Plan

Yay! In the end, my summer class is over. It’s time to reward myself with something nice and exciting…

From the above pictures, you should be able to guess by now what I’ll be doing this summer. Obviously I am going to three cool places: New York, the United Kingdom and Cambodia. Although my trips to these places aren’t all of holiday in nature, I am more than sure it is gonna be a blast.

The first leg of my journey starts this weekend, and it will be to New York. I will spend two days visiting this giant metropolis with my new buddy Brent. We’ve got so much on our itinerary, honestly for sightseeing, eating, clubbing and more… Let’s hope we can cover all the major places in two days. Can’t wait…

Two weeks after New York (July 16), I am heading to the United Kingdom. This is going to be the coolest part as I’ll be touring thirteen cities in England, Scotland and Wales for three weeks. You must be wondering why I am going to so many. Well, I’ve recently accepted a translation and interpretation job for a UK-based organization called the WOMAD Foundation. WOMAD, which is led by renowned British singer-turned-philanthropist Peter Gabriel, is organizing a World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival in Bath this July, and among those invited to the festival were Cambodia’s Chapei legend Master Kong Nay and his student Ouch Savy. I will play a role as the two artists’ language translator and master of ceremony. I imagine it’s going to be one of my most memorable trips and experiences ever. I’ll get to see Peter Gabriel and Kong Nay in person and work with them. How cool!! For more information on WOMAD’s program schedule for Master Kong Nay and Savy, please click here. If you happen to be in any of the cities on the same days as our shows, do stop by. Your support for Master Kong Nay, Savy and WOMAD means to a lot to them, Cambodia and her beautiful culture. Thanks a zillion in advance!!!

Last but not least, I am gonna be in Cambodia for another 3 weeks, until early September. According to the schedule, I am arriving in Phnom Penh on August 9. Don’t forget to come pick me up from the airport!! Nothing concrete has yet to be planned, but this last leg remains what I have been badly looking forward to. To my dear folks out there, help me think of something cool!!! Hehehe.. Anyhow, a friend of mine has thus far suggested I go with him and other friends to either Laos or Phuket, Thailand. Will see how much VITAMIN M I’ll have left by then.. Let’s keep our fingers crossed, buddies.

Till my next update from the Big Apple.

A Seasarella Story

Khmer Folklore Dance

Khmer Folklore Dance (របាំប្រពៃណី) is a very popular form of Khmer dance among the general public. Folkloric dance often embraces mythical stories but mostly represents life of the common people. There are dance pieces that represent the rice harvest, the beginning and ending of the rainy season, fishing, times of group game when young men are “officially” allowed to flirt with the opposite sex, and other aspects of traditional rural life. Every province has its own indigenous dance as do all the major Khmer holiday.

To celebrate the coming Khmer New Year, Amrita Performing Arts​​​ presents Folklore Dance Performances on Saturday & Sunday 7 & 8 April 2007 at 6.00 PM at Chenla Theatre.

Tickets: 3000 & 6000 riels, available at Amrita Performing Arts (#51, Street 113, Fourth Street behind the Ministry of Tourism) and at the door.

Where Elephants Weep

…WHERE ELEPHANTS WEEP…

East Meets West in a New Contemporary Cambodian Opera,
fusing traditional Cambodian music with rock and rap, sung in English and Khmer, with subtitles in both languages.

The opera’s “hybrid” musical style will merge traditional Cambodian instruments in a contemporary sound. Musical themes will carry the epic quality of the story and play off the unity and disunity of East meeting West. The production features a traditional Khmer orchestra and a Khmer rock band, traveling from Cambodia, and a string quartet from the New England Orchestra.

First preview performances in Lowell, MA on April 27, 28 & 29, 2007.

DON’T MISS THIS PRICELESS OPPORTUNITY!

By supporting this opera, you are keeping Khmer culture alive!

Click here now to grab your tickets!

Related Post

• Cambodia’s first rock opera inspired by Broadway hit ‘Rent’

Cambodia’s first rock opera inspired by Broadway hit ‘Rent’

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — When the Cambodian composer Him Sophy saw his first Broadway musical six years ago, he was so captivated he went back to see it again.

The show was “Rent,” the long-running rock opera about struggling artists in New York City. What struck the Cambodian maestro was the musical genre, which featured a five-member rock band right on the stage.

Inspired, the Russian-trained Him Sophy went home and started work on Cambodia’s first rock opera.

Where Elephants Weep” features a 10-person band that fuses the sounds of an electric guitar, electronic drums and keyboards with traditional Cambodian instruments like buffalo horns, bamboo flutes, gongs and the chapei, a long-neck lute with two nylon strings.

This is an East-meets-West blend,” Him Sophy, 44, who earned a doctorate in musicology at Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, said during a rehearsal at a makeshift studio in a Phnom Penh apartment.

The story is a modern take on “Tum Teav,” the Cambodian version of “Romeo and Juliet.”

It follows Sam, a Cambodian-American who returns home after Cambodia’s civil war to trace his roots. In Phnom Penh, he meets and falls in love with Bopha, a karaoke singer, said Catherine Filloux, the opera’s librettist.

Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten

During the 60’s and early 70’s, as the war in Vietnam threatened its borders, a new music scene emerged in Cambodia that took Western rock and roll and stood it on its head-creating a sound like no other.

Cambodian musicians crafted this sound from the various rock music styles sweeping across America and England, adding the unique melodies and hypnotic rhythms of their traditional music. The beautiful singing of the renowned female vocalists became the final touch that made this mix so enticing.

As the peasant Khmer Rouge army closed in on the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodian rock and rollers played at rooftop parties while bombs ignited the evening sky.

On April 17, 1975, after taking over the country, the Khmer Rouge began one of the most brutal genocides in history, killing 2 million people – 1/4 of the Cambodian population. Intellectuals, artists and musicians were murdered simply for their status. Only a few miraculously survived to tell their story.

Produced by John Pirozzi and his devoted production crew, “Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten,” provides a new perspective on a country usually assocated with war and genocide. By celebrating this powerful music and the people who created it, Cambodia’s musical heyday emerges from the shadows of tragedy into the light of history.

For more info, kindly visit http://dontthinkiveforgotten.com/.

Marriage in Cambodia

Written by Keo Mony
Reviewed by Jeniffer Huong, Seattle, WA
September 2004

Cambodian Wedding Ceremony (Photo: PATRICIA KELLIHER)

Arranged Marriage

Arranged marriage has been the tradition in Cambodia for centuries and remains the norm practiced for Cambodians both at home and overseas. Marriage is a very important institution for Cambodians. The courtship practices and the marriage ceremony are very different from those practiced in the Western culture.

A Close-Up of Andre Kim’s Fashion Show at Angkor

Famous Korean actress Kim See-hun. She recently starred in “The Myth” with Jackie Chan. I really like her. She is too hot to resist…

Pavina Devi in Europe

Photos courtesy of AFP, AP and New York Times

Andre Kim holds the first fashion show at Angkor Wat

SIEM REAP, Cambodia – Korea’s top designer Andre Kim showcased his lavish costumes representing the beauty of his country at Angkor Wat temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on Monday evening. The show titled “Fashion Fantasia: Angkor Watt” is the first of its kind ever held with the ancient temple as a backdrop. The temple, one of the seven wonders of the world, is located in the western part of Cambodia.

“I feel honored to present my fashion show in front of this internationally recognized heritage, Angkor Wat of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Also I am deeply grateful to the government of Cambodia and its beautiful, warm-hearted citizens,” said Kim during an opening speech.

The first part of the two-day show was attended by many prominent guests including Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An and other cabinet ministers as well as family members of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Actor Kim Rae-won and actress Kim Hee-sun (front) join other models to present creations by Andre Kim during a fashion show at Angkor Wat in Cambodia on Monday night. [Chung Hee-cho/The Korea Herald]

“It is my delight and pleasure to participate in Andre Kim’s fashion show, the first international fashion show in front of Angkor Wat. We would like to express gratitude to the participants of the international fashion show and for having film stars in the prosperous city of Angkor,” said Deputy Prime Minister Sok An. Kim’s fashion show started with the stage that celebrated the ongoing Angkor-Gyeongju World Culture Expo 2006 with two Korean Wave stars – actor Kim Rae-won and actress Kim Hee-sun – walking down the catwalk with other special guest models. A total of 187 pieces were showcased during the two-hour show.

The 71-year-old designer presented dresses in white, purple and black silk chiffon accentuated with embroidered sparkling spangles. Glittering silver-tone buttons and shoes and also somewhat simplified patterns used in the dress added a futuristic twist to Kim’s designs.

Seasons of Migration

ROCKING

NEW YORK CITY

THIS JANUARY!

More info can be found at Khmer Art Academy’s Official Website

1st ASEAN Arts and Crafts Festival 2006 in Ayuthaya, Thailand

Cambodia

The Opening Day of the Angkor-Gyeongju World Culture Expo

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, center left, walks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, center right, as they arrive at Siem Reap province, about 230 kilometers (143 miles) northwest of the capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006. Roh is on a four-day visit to Cambodia, the first by a South Korean leader since the two countries restored ties in 1997. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun, left, shakes hands with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, right, before the pair began presiding over the ‘Angkor Gyeongju World Culture Expo’ in Siem Reap province, about 230 kilometers (143 miles) northwest of the capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006. Roh arrived in Cambodia for the first top-level state visit since the two countries re-established ties almost a decade ago. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Students of the Cambodian Royal University of Fine Art perform a traditional theater show during the ‘Angkor Gyeongju World Culture Expo’ opening ceremony in Siem Reap province, about 230 kilometers (143 miles) northwest of the capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006. South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, who is presiding over the expo arrived in Cambodia on Tuesday, the first top-level state visit since the two countries re-established ties almost a decade ago. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Performers march past the stage during the opening ceremony of the Angkor-Gyeongju World Culture Expo 2006 at Cambodia’s 9th-12th century Angkor temple complex in Siem Reap province, 299km (186 miles) northwest of Phnom Penh, November 21, 2006. South Korea’s president Roh Moo-Hyun was a guest of honor as Cambodian authorities launched their most elaborate cultural festival to date, in a bid to boost tourism by wooing South Korean visitors . REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAMBODIA)

Apsara dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Angkor-Gyeongju World Culture Expo 2006 at Cambodia’s 9th-12th century Angkor temple complex in Siem Reap province, 299km (186 miles) northwest of Phnom Penh, November 21, 2006. South Korea’s president Roh Moo-Hyun was a guest of honor as Cambodian authorities launched their most elaborate cultural festival to date, in a bid to boost tourism by wooing South Korean visitors . REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAMBODIA)

Apsara dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Angkor-Gyeongju World Culture Expo 2006 at Cambodia’s 9th-12th century Angkor temple complex in Siem Reap province, 299km (186 miles) northwest of Phnom Penh, November 21, 2006. South Korea’s president Roh Moo-Hyun was a guest of honor as Cambodian authorities launched their most elaborate cultural festival to date, in a bid to boost tourism by wooing South Korean visitors . REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAMBODIA)

Cambodian dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Angkor Gyeogju World Culture EXPO 2006 in Siem Reap province, some 314 kms Northwest of Phnom Penh. South Korea’s president was a guest of honor as Cambodian authorities launched their most elaborate cultural festival to date, in a bid to boost tourism by wooing South Korean visitors.(AFP/Tang Chhin Sothy)

 

Enjoy Your Halloween With Some Cool Pumpkin Art!

I was browsing through Beth’s flickr album today and just couldn’t help admiring her pics from the pumpkin carving fair in Rhode Island. They were just so awesome. I could hardly believe these super artistic works were made on pumpkins.

Happy Halloween!

Not a painting but a pumpkin carving

Cool, huh?

Museum of Fine Arts

Opened in 1876, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is one of the most comprehensive museum in the world. Its collection encompasses more than 450,000 works of arts from all corners of the world. Once in a while, MFA also organizes special art performances by some of the world’s most famous artists.

The Boston Museum of Fine Arts

Performed there today was a marbling demonstration by a group of artists from Turkey. For your information, marbling is a technique for producing colorful patterns on paper by swirls of paint, traditionally water-based paint, floating on water.

The Story of the Dog

Courtesy of Beth Kanter

Cambodian Puppet Theater

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