FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EXPLORING IDENTITIES: A CULTURAL SEASON
Three months of performances, workshops, exhibitions, discussions and more...

From July to September in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, 9 July 2018 – Cambodian Living Arts presents its first ever Cultural Season ; a three-month program of performances, panel discussions, film screenings, exhibitions and workshops, featuring artists and partner organizations from around Cambodia and beyond.

The program will run at various locations in Phnom Penh from July to September 2018, and is curated around the theme “Exploring Identities”. CLA aims to start conversations among and between audiences and artists; and encourage people to question their perception of identities, and ideas about Cambodian identities in particular.

The diverse program includes performances such as contemporary circus from Phare Ponleu Selpak , dance and physical theater from Epic Arts , a performance from Tong Nong Leh Village Arts Troupe from Ratanakiri province, and Cambodian Yike opera from Yike Amatak presented alongside Malaysian Jikey theater. Those who want a more immersive experience can register for workshops including ‘Exploring Our Cambodian Identities’, led by Women Peacemakers , or a Creative Dance Movement Workshop led by artists from Epic Arts. There will also be several panel discussions, and a series of film screenings and a photo exhibition presented in cooperation with Bophana Center , alongside artist talks and post-film discussions.
Events will take place at the CLA Theater at the National Museum, as well as various universities around Phnom Penh, Bophana Center, and the Institut français du Cambodge. Performances at the National Museum are open to the public, and tickets are $5, available via 0968839884 / 098512255, or at the CLA Office. Entrance to film screenings, e xhibitions, and panel discussions is free. The workshops require registration in advance via this link , or emailing sormanak@cambodianlivingarts.org. For the events hosted at universities, preference for tickets will be given to students.

YON Sokhorn, CLA’s Arts Development Manager, and the curator of the performances in the Cultural Season, said,

  • “We hope that you will come with us on a three month journey exploring identities in depth. We've curated a diverse program, with different art forms, and featuring participants from all around Cambodia reflecting the diversity of the country. Some performances have come from CLA's own workshops, grants, and commissions while others have been created by partner troupes and organizations. It's the first time we've presented a curated season like this, and we really hope it will create meaningful and long-lasting memories for both the artists and audiences.”

SO Phina, CLA's Knowledge, Networks and Policy Manager, and the curator of the humanities aspects of the Cultural Season, said,

  • "I'm excited about this Cultural Season especially because of the special curation, combining performances and opportunities for artists and audience to absorb, reflect, and discuss thoughts provoked by and beyond the performances. Attending this program, you not only get to watch artists perform their pieces but you also have the chance to discuss with them why they do their arts, why and how they created these particular works, and what their art means to them.

OU Buntheng, from Epic Arts, which is presenting the performance ‘Buffalo Boy’ and holding a Creative Dance Movement Workshop, said:

  • “I hope that this Cultural Season: Exploring Identity, will help young people to understand their values and identities more deeply, and to understand and appreciate the identities of others, regardless of color, religion, belief, ability, or gender. Epic Arts are delighted to take part and show our work in the field of inclusive arts, and to demonstrate the abilities and skills of our artists living with disabilities as they explore ideas about identity.

For further information, high-res photos, interview requests, and press passes to events, please contact hermione@cambodianlivingarts.org.
Notes for Editors

Cambodian Living Arts

  • Cambodian Living Arts was founded by Arn Chorn-Pond in 1998.
  • Cambodian Living Arts is an independent not-for profit organization, based in Phnom Penh.
  • Cambodian Living Arts' mission is to be a catalyst in a vibrant arts sector, inspiring new generations. Cambodian Living Arts believes that are at the heart of a vital society, and envisions the arts and cultural expression as essential to a thriving future for Cambodia.

Visit our website: www.cambodianlivingarts.org