A cultural season of exploration kicks off at the Kingdom’s CLA
AK’deySromai, THREE-MONTH program that makes up The Cambodian Living Arts’ (CLA) cultural season kicked off on Thursday and will run through September 23 with the theme Exploring Identities. It will feature performances, panel discussions, film screenings, exhibitions and workshops.
The various performances and programs will reflect the diversity of the Kingdom’s ever-changing society. The hidden meaning will help the public define who they are and how they respond to historical, cultural and geographical influences.
CLA volunteer Oeurn Rosa who is helping to host the cultural season, says: “The events’ purpose serves to raise questions and discussions among our participants and students. We encourage more discussion and sharing of personal views on the topics – especially the identity of Cambodians.”
To spur conversations between audiences and artists and encourage people to question their perceptions of the Cambodian identity, the cultural season will feature performance dramas, circus performances and puppetry to explore the struggles for power and survival.
Thursday’s show, entitled Buffalo Boy performed by Epic Arts, told the story of a boy and his buffalo through dance and drama, exploring isolation, loneliness and a personal journey to empowerment.
Epic Arts hosted a creative dance movement workshop focusing on teamwork and creativity, which allows everyone to explore dance movements regardless of ability.
Friday’s program, being held at the Secondary School of Fine Arts starting at 2pm, opens with a dance workshop conducted by Epic Arts, followed by a contemporary dance performance entitled K’dey Sromai, by Chamrouen Sophea and Troupe.
The performance will explore the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the Cambodian people.
This will be followed by a panel discussion of artists explaining how they express themselves through dance in the context of contemporary Cambodia.
At 4pm on Saturday, there will be a repeat performance of Buffalo Boy at the CLA Theater, which will also be the venue for a repeat performance of K’dey Sromai on Sunday at 6:30pm.
Most events are free, apart from the public performances at the CLA Theater. Tickets priced at $5 each are available from the CLA Office, or by calling 096 883 9884 / 098 512 255.
Preference will be given to students for tickets to performances hosted at universities. Some workshops require registration in advance. For more details, log on www.cambodianlivingarts.org.