A news conference was held Tuesday for the first contemporary Cambodian opera inspired by the Broadway hit Rent. Where Elephants Weep will merge Cambodian traditions with Western structures, mixing elements of hip-hop and rock with ancient Cambodian lullabies and Khmer Rouge propaganda songs. The opera will be performed by a hybrid orchestra consisting of both traditional Cambodian and modern rock ensembles, from state-of-the-art synthesisers to folk instruments dating to 12th century Cambodia. The official premiere of Where Elephants Weep will take place in Cambodia at a venue yet to be decided, on November 28.