khmer sources

One of the mosr spectacular events of the year was ‘The Legend of Angkor Wat, when history comes to life’; this visual delight attracted thousands of spectators from across the nation and from around the world. The Siem Reap extravaganza was co-presented by the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and the Apsara Authority in cooperation with Bayon CM Organizer Company Limited.

The show took audiences back in history, to a time when this ancient wonder of the world was the center of King Suryavarman II's powerful empire. Today's Angkor Wat ruined temple was used as an enchanting backdrop for the panoramic stage. It brought to life the great history, in story-telling rendered through a combination of unique Apsara dances and contemporary Khmer performances. The show featured a number of Cambodia’s leading performers, actors such as Tep Rindaro and Sim Solika, who were supplemented by over a 160 supporting actors and actresses. These professional Khmer performing artists from the Royal University of Fine Arts joined many of Cambodia's top movies stars on the same stage, to create a uniquely classical and modern legend of Angkor Wat.

The spectacle begins with a group of European researchers coming to explore South-East Asia. The French naturalist Alexandre Henri Mouhot made his journey of exploration into the regions of Siam and Laos in 1860. When his group entered

Cambodia, Henri learnes from villagers of a great temple, one of splendid beauty, believed to be built by the hands of gods. He diligently searches until finally the mysterious and legendary temple, now hidden in the dense forest, lies before his eyes. As he explores the temple, he is stunned by the astonishing sand-stone bas-relief "Apsara", the one who will bring him to the past and explored the history.

In the second scene, Henri lies alone and unconscious on the ground. Slowly he awakes to find standing before him, a lady with the look of Apsara. She tells him his wish to explore the mystery of this great temple had come true, and takes him to experience the beauty of the Khmer civilization – starting with the legendary love story of Preah Thaong and Neang Nagi (Neakh), the daughter of the king of nagas, from where the Khmer people believe they come from. In this scene, the audience witnesses the couple’s grand wedding procession.

This links to the legendary beginning of the Angkor era, a monumental period of the great King Soryavarman II and the Agnkor Wat Temple. The Apsara takes Henri back to the time when the monument was constructed by thousands of workers. The moon shines in the sky, reflecting the outline of the temple. The sound of construction echoes around. Part by parts, they witness the building of Angkor Wat to completion.

The glorious period of the Angkor Empire has begun. Apsara casts magic and scenes from the glorious Khmer empire during the reign of Soryavarman II appear. It happens at the local market where people sell vegetables, fruits and goods. On one side of the stage children play a game. On the other side elderly people make beautiful flower offerings.

Apsara and Henri walk around to observe the lives of the people. Henri sees the children smiling, everyone looking happy, singing and dancing. He is impressed with the beautiful culture of the kingdom. Then, Apsara leads Henri to where the New Year celebration takes place. They stand with the people as they witness the spectacular procession of King Suryavarman II. At the royal pavilion, the King sits to watch the firework show.

After the amazing trip, Henri becomes curious about Apsara. Was she once the spirit of an Angkor Princess? Apsara tells him she was born from the Churning of the Sea of Milk and promises to show her creation myth. In return, he must promise to bring life back into the great Angkor ruin which he had witnessed. Henri makes his promise and is at once transported back to witness Apsara’s creation.

Henri is back to the place where he lost consciousness. He looks around confused. His colleagues notice Henri has stared at the bas-reliefs for a long time. They walk to him and as they are about to touch the Apsara on the wall, Henri stops them with the words "We should not disturb her. Our great duty is waiting for us. No matter how tiring and difficult it is, we must try to accomplish. Let’s go."

Henri leads the group into the temple. The carving of Apsara on the wall smiles. Light illuminates the temple displaying its great grandeur.

Mr. Tep Rindaro, is the leading Khmer actor who portrays Mr. Alexander Henri Mouhot. "We are in the real situation when we perform this show in front of Angkor Wat temple."

"Long time ago, I used to wish and dreamed of the chance to present my act before this mythical temple," Mr. Rindaro said. "Now my dream has become true, I’m playing a very important person, the Frenchman Monsieur Henri."

"It’s a really milestone in my performing life, to be an actor who represents the history of our nation," Rindaro said. "This show is the highlight in my career and my life."

Mr. Proeung Chhieng, Vice Deane of Royal University of Fine Arts, and Royal and Show Director, said "This show can easily be described as the best event of year, full of unique classical and modern arts."

"Many Khmer classical dances such as the Preah Thoang Neang Neakh, Churing of the Sea of Milk, Apsara Dance and others were selected to form the back bone of this show," Mr. Chhieng said. "All of our management team, the arts-performers and especially the top movie stars, have all spent several months in rehearsals for this unique show. We have worked hard."

Mr. Tith Thavrith was the Executive Producer and Executive Show Director. "The show was not only a presentation by the professional performing artists but also a performance of the latest technologies in light and sound; we employed water screens to bring this new event to the many tourists visiting the Angkor area."

"This show is not just an amazing spectacle; it provided an introduction to Angkor Wat temple and the Khmer historical civilization. It gave all of the tourists a much greater understanding about our rich culture," says Thavrith.

The event will again be performed at the end of the 2008, with the promise of greater spectacle and further additions. "People will be even more impressed."