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Dancers left to right: Chumvan Sodhachivy (Belle), Sam Sathya, Phon Sopheap,
Chey Chankethya
Photograph courtesy of the Esplanade, Singapore
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Khmer / French choreographer Emmanuèle Phuon has created a work based on the master / disciple relationship, incorporating elements of classical court dance as taught by the master, with contemporary movements as imagined by her young students; exploring how and where the two worlds meet. The work is accompanied by a range of music from traditional Cambodian court music to Yves Montand, Einsturzende Neubauten and Cambodian hip hop.
An early work in progress of Khmeropédies II was presented in Phnom Penh in March 2009 and later in India, Singapore and Hong Kong. The full completed work of Khmeropédies I & II premiered at the Festival of Arts and Ideas in New Haven, Connecticut in June 2011 with subsequent performances at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York, the Singapore Esplanade Studio Theater and the Podium Mozaiek in Amsterdam. The work will next be presented at the Spoleto Festival in the US state of S. Carolina in May 2011.
Deborah Jowitt of the NY Village Voice wrote of Khmeropédies that “the remarkable event is no eclectic hybrid, with arabesques and the like grafted onto Cambodian steps. Utilizing postmodern strategies, (Khmeropedies) enlightens us about the style, while investigating how private emotions and more relaxed contemporary customs might take it in new directions”. |
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Left, Andrea Nann and Right Chy Ratana
Photographer: Anders Jiras
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Choreographed by Peter Chin and produced by Tribal Crackling Wind in collaboration with Amrita Performing Arts is a work that explores the ‘unseen’ elements of the precarious process of revival and preservation. An intricately woven and profound work; the result of four years of extensive research and exploration.
The work premiered in Toronto in January 2008 and had its Asian premiere in Phnom Penh on October 24 2009 with subsequent performances at the Esplanade Studio Theater in Singapore on October 31 and November 1 2009. |
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Photographer: Jeremy Mimnagh
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A new work by Peter Chin; produced by Tribal Crackling Wind in collaboration with Amrita Performing Arts. Original production commissioned by the CanAsian Dance Festival and premiered in February 2011 at the Harborfront Theater Center in Toronto. In a new ceremony, five young Cambodians of a pivotal generation embody and synthesize contradictory ways of being in a contemporary Cambodian society of opposing currents. Tradition/experimentation, preservation/evolution, nostalgia/future-focus, spirituality/materialism, and public exhibition/private introspection collide and merge briefly in this new work by Peter Chin, created in collaboration with the Cambodian artists.
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Standing left to right: Morm Sokly, Kov Sotheary, Chhon Sina, Pok Sovanna.
Dancer: Khiev Sovannarith
Photograph courtesy of the Esplanade, Singapore |
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Two plays based on testimony from survivors and perpetrators of the Khmer Rouge Regime, directed by renowned Dutch director Annemarie Prins. After thirty years, the former Khmer Rouge leaders are finally being brought to justice and the need for dialogue is urgent. Cambodians observe the trial proceedings with combined skepticism and hope, and wait with great anticipation the opportunity to go on with their lives. The plays have proven to be very timely and important contributions towards the aims of reconciliation. Cambodia is thirsty for the power of imagination - the healing effect which only works of art can provide.
3 Years, 8 Months, 20 Days premiered in Phnom Penh in February 2006 and at the Singapore Arts Festival in June 2007. Breaking the Silence premiered in Phnom Penh in February 2009, toured to provinces across Cambodia, and at the Singapore Esplanade Studio Theater in September 2010.
Kenneth Kwok of ‘The Flying Inkpot’ says in his review that Breaking the Silence “is a bold, difficult work that needs to be seen by as many people as possible.” Tara Tan of the ‘Singapore Straits Times’ states “Breaking the Silence was an honest, intimate and moving portrait of a country taking its first steps to heal the gaping wounds left by the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime. Hearing these stories told and performed in public excavated and reconciled these deep emotions, rather than bury them deep under years of shock, hate, anger and denial. Indeed a play such as Breaking the Silence does not merely mark an important moment in history. It is also significant in aiding the healing of a country’s wounds.” |
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Photographer: Anders Jiras |
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A new work of contemporary dance with German choreographer Arco Renz. Commissioned for the 2011 Singapore Arts Festival and funded by the Goethe Institut – Southeast Asia and the Flemish Authorities – International Projects. Produced in collaboration with Kobalt Works and Caravan Production (Belgium).
This seminal performance is about the developing individuality of a new generation of Cambodians emerging from their recent history of civil war and isolation. Their hopes, dreams, conflicts and desires are expressed in this production combining contemporary dance, music and performance. A moving, physical depiction of this generation’s coming of age in a complex, contemporary world. |
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