Khmer Times/Muny Sithyna Wednesday, 23 December 2015
Phea sat down with her little brother in the Department of Performing Arts theatre on Saturday night to watch Khmer boxing, Brodal Serei, turned into dance for the first time.
"It was different to see how they transformed boxing into a dance," said the 29-year-old, who is a fan of contemporary dance. "I've heard about boxers' lives and that their lives were sad and to be pitied."
'Brodal Serei' is the name of choreographer Emmanuele Phuon's latest work, which has come to fruition after nearly two years of research, training and rehearsal. The story, told through contemporary dance, unveils the life of a professional Cambodian boxer, Hem Saran, highlighting the struggles and successes of his career."
"I am inspired by this dance because people outside this field [boxing] never get to know what's really behind the boxing stage, or the life that a boxer has," said Lorn Selaboth, a 20-year-old architecture sophomore of the Royal University of Fine Arts. "It is a long personal story, but summarized into a short performance."
Ms. Phuon, the lady behind the "Brodal Serei" performance, sparked the idea of transforming boxing movements into a dance while attending John Vink's photography exhibition. She then worked with a Cambodian professional boxer, Hem Saran, to train dancers on boxing techniques.
"I saw a photograph by John Vink. It made me feel that it was very much like a dance," said the French-Cambodian choreographer on Sunday morning before taking a flight back to her home in France. "When I went for research at a boxing stadium, I met a boxer, Hem Saran."
To understand the life and feelings of a boxer, the three dancers spent time at a boxing stadium with the fighters. Nget Rady, one of the three dancers in "Brodal Serei," commented "Their lives [the boxers'] were very different from ours [dancers]," said Mr. Rady. "They had to fight to make a living. From one fight, they make around $90 to $100."
Youth's growing support for contemporary dance
While the performance on Saturday played to almost a full house, about 70 percent of the audience was comprised of expats and Cambodians from the performing arts world. Youths who came to see the performance were mostly life-long fans of contemporary dance.
Mr. Selaboth, the architecture student, admitted that he had heard about contemporary dance when he was living in the province, but he never had a chance to see a performance until he moved to Phnom Penh.
"Our youths might experience culture shock when they first see this type of dance," he said. "After two years of having been to contemporary dance performances, I see that more youths are coming to see the performances."
Chhuong Yiv Chhuy, a 29-year-old alumni of Royal University of Fine Arts' Architecture and Urban Planning Department, has been a long-time fan of performing arts.
"To be honest, I think around 2009 and 2010, the support and love for performing arts and paintings was very significant, but in 2012 or thereabouts, it quieted down. Perhaps, because they were getting tired," he said.
"Even though it's not a huge support for the art [yet], I think youth support is gradually increasing, and I want more youth to come and support performing arts," he added.
Phea, echoed the opinions of Mr. Selaboth and Mr. Chhuy. She said the support for contemporary dance, even though it's increasing, only represents a small part of the Cambodian community.
Though contemporary dance can appear quite complicated to a first-time viewer, the understanding and interpretation of the dances can be enhanced by having casual conversations with dancers and choreographers.
"When they don't understand the movement or emotion of the story, I would recommend them to research more, or ask us - the performers. Once they know, they will be able to enjoy the performance," said Mr. Rady.
TAGS/KEYWORDS:
Brodal Serei, Dance Unveils, Life of a Boxer