Foreign troupe organizes shadow puppet art performance attracting local and international tourists!!!!

For centuries, the art of Khmer shadow puppetry, or big and small skin theatre, has been an integral part of Cambodia's cultural identity.

This form of traditional storytelling, using leather puppets pulling gestures, illuminated from the background by lighting, has captivated audiences for generations.

However, in recent decades, Khmer art, including shadow puppets, has struggled to survive due to cultural modernization, declining cultural support, and the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, efforts are underway to bring these arts back to the attention of both tourists and Cambodians alike.

Paul Glew, the host of SpeakEasy, has been a big fan of the arts since its inception in 2020, which focuses on comedy and English-speaking drama, said he has known the arts for many years.

He said: "We reconnected with them last year because we saw a real need to promote Khmer art for tourists and Cambodians alike."

He added: "We sincerely hope that this story will be able for foreigners to see the real Khmer opera and shadow theatre is a good way to close that gap because it does not rely on language to tell the story."

Khmer shadow puppets originated in the Angkor period and have been considered a sacred art since a very long time ago.

Despite its historical importance, the art form has faced problems due to political unrest, war, and shifting audiences' interests.

The struggle to sustain these performances is not only a loss for the artists but also for the Khmer culture itself.

Without active intervention, the next generation may not be able to experience the beauty of their heritage.

Mr. Man Kosol, the founder and chairman of the Sovann Village Arts Association, said: "Usually people respect what is left, respect what makes people peaceful, so small skin art, it is one of the foundations that helps people have peace, because all types of art are never any art that leads to war, but we are very proud that we were born Khmer and what was left behind from our ancestors is leather theater."small."

He added: "The importance for us is the legacy of our ancestors, and we must do this propaganda of our ancestors to the next generation because it does not lead us to war, it leads to peace."

An important step forward is a new collaboration between Sovanophum Arts and SpeakEasy Theatre in Phnom Penh, which now organizes weekly shadow puppet performances at The Box Office.

"Shadow puppetry is a great way to bridge the cultural gap.

These performances last for 50 minutes every 50 minutes to re-enact Khmer art and other traditional arts to a new generation of audiences, ensuring that tradition does not fade into history.

The proceeds from ticket sales are handed over to Sovannaphum, arts, and students directly, providing much-needed financial assistance to artists who have dedicated themselves to the craft.

For those who want to see this amazing revival and support Khmer arts, the grand opening starts this Friday and runs every Friday, tickets can be purchased online at www.theboxofficephnompenh.com/events