Children of the Khmer

Source: The List (Issue 609)
Date: 7 August 2008
Written by: Susan Wright

Cambodian song and dance

This is as inspiring as it gets. An ensemble of young talented performers from Cambodia delivering perfectly orchestrated dance routines that are soulful, funny, enthusiastic and set against a powerful musical backdrop.

It starts off on a mellow note with incense, candles, prayer and two beautiful girls performing a hypnotic routine of gracious curtsies and delicate hand movements. From there, a fuller cast of boys and girls (whose ages are impossible to ascertain on stage) entertain through jigs and dances performed skillfully with wooden blocks, bamboo baskets, catchy chants, wide smiles and a keen sense of humour.

Much of the choreography explores Cambodian tradition – planting rice in the paddy fields, wooing the opposite sex, monkey rivalry (complete with hilarious masks and body scratching). Underpinned by a beautiful percussion score that changes pace perfectly with the action, Children of the Khmer is a sweet taste of Cambodia that makes you feel good about life.