(Here are a few pictures from Cambodia. They are all from our phones except for the last one)
Cambodia was lovely. I definitely enjoyed Siem Reap more than Phnom Penh but both our stays were highlighted by Cambodia's greatest treasure: its people.
We went to see a traditional Khmer dance performance known as Apsara Dance. It was absolutely the best money we spent in Phnom Penh. Without a doubt.
The show, as well as the story behind the artists, is inspiring:
"Before the Khmer Rouge era, Cambodia was home to some of the most diverse and abundant arts and culture in Southeast Asia. Music, dance, theater and cinema flowed strongly through the blood of the Cambodian people. There were singers on every corner, musicians in every village and a dancer in every child. Art flourished. But in the years between 1975 and 1979, the Khmer Rouge brought a devastating end to all of that. It is estimated that during those years, 2 million Cambodians died from execution, starvation and overwork. It is also believed that among the dead were 90% percent of Cambodia’s artists, who were specifically targeted for execution, a devastating blow to Cambodia’s oral traditions. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, this human and cultural tragedy was compounded by two subsequent decades of crippling economic hardship. Of the Master Artists that survived, few could make a living by performing or teaching."
These artists are trying to change, not only their cultural reality, but their country by rescuing, performing and giving a voice to their story and heritage.
I think it's outstanding and revolutionary -and that is a word I don't often use- as this not only channels artistic expression in a society with few artistic outlets but it also provides a way for these artist to support themselves by performing arts.
REVOLUTIONARY!
So yes, it's a must see and if I understood correctly they are going on an international tour next year. If by any chance you happen to stumble upon one of their performances please go and support them. You will not regret it. Not a single bit.
In Siem Reap we also went to a show. This time it was the Phare Cambodian Circus. I don't have pictures of the show as I was mesmerized watching everything. This is not a traditional circus (there are no animals), it's purely acrobatics and theater performance.
Their story is really awesome too. This circus is actually an association:
"PPS is a Cambodian non-profit association that steers underprivileged children and youth towards a better quality of life through cultural, artistic, educational and social skills. Envisioning the arts as an instrument for human development and social change; a way of securing a brighter future for our community, gaining national and international recognition for Cambodian arts"
- Phare Ponleu Selpak Association
These two shows are what I take with me from Cambodia. The temples were beautiful but these stories...it fills my heart to see people working hard to make their dreams come true. It's worth traveling thousands of miles to come here, half way around the world and find these stories that fill the world with hope...well, at least my world.