The People's Theater: A History of Cambodian Folk Opera

The People's Theater: A History of Cambodian Folk Opera
Chapter One: The Village Stage: The Origins and Development of Khmer Folk Opera Beyond the hallowed grounds of the Royal Palace and the ancient stones of the great temples lies another, more boisterous and accessible theatrical world: the world of Cambodian folk opera. This is the theater of the people, a vibrant tradition of sung and spoken drama that for centuries has been the primary source of popular entertainment and moral instruction in the villages and towns across the kingdom. Unlike the highly codified and sacred classical arts, folk opera is defined by its emotional directness, its colorful characters, and its dynamic energy. The two most prominent forms of this tradition are Yike and Lakhon Bassac, two distinct styles of performance with different origins that both evolved to serve the same essential purpose: to bring the great stories of history, myth, and daily life to the people on a village stage. The Indigenous Roots: The Birth of Yike Yike (យីកេ) is believed to be the ol…