Earth Anthem in Cambodia 2021

Yeng Chheangly has produced this Cambodian rendition of Abhay K‘s renowned Earth Anthem. 

The celebrated Indian poet, artist, and diplomat Abhay K wrote Earth Anthem to eulogize the Earth and its natural and human beauty. Earth Anthem has been translated into over 70 languages spoken across the world including all six official UN languages.

YENG CHHEANGLY translated the verse into Khmer and collaborated with friends to create this moving video. He allowed us to share his letter to Abhay K upon the completion of his project.

Abhay K,

Then and now, it has been 6 years since brother poet Chath pierSath introduced me to you, Abhay K. And it was my third experience in translating poem from English, as ESL, into Khmer. Lately, you’ve checked with me if I would like to participate to celebrate Earth Day by reading Earth Anthem in Khmer. And why not.

I then thought of how I should simply put my phone on a tripod and read normally. Yet, I found out another idea of putting drone footages, contributed by one of my friends, plus adding some of my time-lap. But how? How could I do that?

I then thought of the moving image idea that I was learning when I met my beloved brother Tomyo Costa Ito. He is a cinema researcher and video artist who encouraged me a lot to start exploring moving images with poetry.

Therefore, I am so pleased to share my light voice in Khmer interacting with moving images as well as your beautiful Earth Anthem. I hope this small effort could be the first to celebrate Earth Day together. – Yeng Chheangly

Peter Chin and The Crackling Wind Dance Company is building a home in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Learn about this accomplished dancer and choreographer in Chath Piersath’s new article.

From Tribal Crackling Wind:

For 30 years, Peter Chin has been creating work in multiple medias that has gained him great respect from peers, audiences and critics in Canada and abroad. Critics and writers have frequently commented not only on the sheer visceral impact of his work, but also the philosophical/intellectual substance of his themes. Michael Crabb, dance critic and host/producer of CBC’s The Arts Report, wrote in 1993 that “Peter Chin is a multi-disciplinary artist with the courage to take on weighty themes.” and earlier in 1989 “The sheer scope of Chin’s imagination commands respect.” Chin’s themes have been timely and seminal in Canadian art of the last 30 years, coinciding with the country’s evolving identity as an (imperfect) global exemplar for multicultural societies and immigration practices.

 Sinn Sisamouth painting by Sasha Constable at The Little Red Fox Espresso in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia Is On Her Way to Another Golden Age of Arts and Music – by Chath pierSath

Learn about some of the musicians and art advocates that are paving the way for an energetic and unique music scene in Cambodia.

THE MOST POWERFUL SYMBOL OF CAMBODIA TRANSFORMS FOR THE TIMES, THANKS TO THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP OF MOK ROTHA…Read

Tributes to those we have recently lost.

Sithis Yim Samnang, Yeng Chheangly, Phino So, and Chath pierSath honor Cambodia’s poetry traditions with new voices, questions, and powerful imagery.

Artists
 

Art is in Cambodia’s DNA.  Meet some of the artists transforming their communities.

“If you can keep something very personal, like a song, like a color, like a story, deep in your heart, then nobody can destroy that. Nobody can destroy your imagination; nobody can destroy your love.”

Rithy Panh

New publications of Khmer literature

Music

Championing the Creators

Simply put, we know Cambodia is magic, and it is our role to champion Khmer creators the world over, to the world over.

We are painfully aware of the effect of Corona19 is having on the economy of the nation and the struggles that people are facing.

We are a team of like-minded, creative professionals with a deep respect for Cambodia. Whether it is the emergent phenomena from turbulence, the surprises lurking around any given corner, or the outpouring of a compelling story, this is the magic of Cambodia. We are enchanted by it and we will show you why.

We sincerely invite your ideas and contributions. We know your eyes are upon Cambodia.  Your voice is welcome.  We are obviously not a news or travel site, so please understand our focus is on contemporary arts and culture.

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