Danseuse cambodgienne, 1906, Rodin

The Dark Knight

In the dark night of Phnom Penh, Neang Seida, the beautiful wife of Preah Ream, has been kidnapped by the most powerful Asura king, Krong Reap. As they arrive in the territory of Krong Reap, the island of Lanka, Seida is sad, sobbing, crying and waiting for her husband to rescue her before being forced to be the second wife of the giant.

The bass drum, gong, xylophone… and the lovely voice of a young Cambodian girl accompany the dance, showing the arrogance and power of the giant king.

This is a very well-known Asian legend performed as the Khmer royal ballet: the Seida story is playing this Friday at the Chaktomuk Theater (6pm), alongside other lovely Khmer songs - but this time with all kinds of western and Khmer modern and classical instruments.

It is truly marvelous, so don’t miss this very special night when East meets West…!