Performance - Cambodian Ritual through Dance and Song Buong Suong

At the Japan America Theatre

Saturday, April 24, 2004
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC)
George and Sakaye Aratani Japan America Theatre
244 South San Pedro Street, Suite 505
Los Angeles, CA 90095

The George & Sakaye Aratani Japan America Theatre presents "Cambodian Ritual through Dance and Song Buong Suong."

In times of drought, the Cambodian king presides over a ritual prayer for rain, known as buong suong. In a land where life is deeply dependent on the cultivation of rice, rain is considered a blessing from the heavens. Led by award-winning dancer and choreographer Sophiline Cheam Shapiro, the Khmer Arts Academy is one of this country's premier classical dance and music ensembles. For the first time, they bring the buong suong ritual to an American stage, inviting the spirits to bless the audience and bestow prosperity on the people of Southern California.  Spirits are invoked through robam kbech boraan and pin peat (classical dance and music) ­ art forms that trace their roots to the ancient temples of Angkor. The dance is known for its intricate hand gestures and glimmering costumes, the music for its hypnotic rhythms.

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Cost : $17 JACCC Members; $23 orchestra, $20 balcony

Sponsor(s): , George and Sakaye Aratani Japan America Theatre