I attended my first classical Cambodian dance performance at the Department of Performing Arts Theater today. With the exception of the poor A/C in the auditorium (there was no central cooling system), I thought the production was well done. The stage set was simple with a few triangular metal lattices and the costumes were less gaudy than previous performances in other countries (see video clip below); it worked for me. The focus was on story-telling with authentic Cambodian dance.
The story of Pamina Devi was adapted from The Magic Flute, an opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Narrated through lyrics sung in Khmer and accompanied by traditional Khmer percussion instruments, the story of Pamina Devi was brought to life by the elegant artists of the Sophiline Arts Ensemble. Choreographed and directed by Sophiline Cheam Shapiro, the dance movements were mesmerizing. From the facial expressions and hyper-extended fingers to the arched backs and delicate limb movements, the dancers captivated me. It was all so beautiful that I didn't mind the heat and the poor content of the story.
Above: A previous performance in NYC - a more flamboyant set
Above left: Pamina Devi (left) and her mother, the Queen of the Night; Above right: Petite dancers
Above: Where the musicians played
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