Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Bassac theatre festival set for October debut

Bassac theatre festival set for October debut

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
A Bassac theatre performance publicity photo taken by the culture ministry’s Department of Performing Arts. SUPPLIED

Bassac theatre festival set for October debut

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts will hold a two-day Bassac theatre festival on October 3-4 at the Department of Performing Arts in Phnom Penh.

The event aims to preserve and promote the values of arts, culture, traditions and national identity. It will also contribute to the development of society and promote national prestige, the the ministry said, adding that protecting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage is the duty of every Cambodian citizen.

Chhieng Chhordapheak, deputy director of the Department of Performing Art, told The Post that the department had received applications and videoed performances from 10 bassac theatre troupes.

“We have received applications from three troupes in Kandal province, and one each from Phnom Penh and the provinces of Kep and Tbong Khmum,” he said.

Citing the ministry’s statistics, he said there are 66 bassac theatre troupes registered in the capital and across 14 provinces, and he expected to receive more submissions.

He noted that challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic had forced the closure of several of the registered groups.

“Each theatre group faced their own challenges during the pandemic. Certain troupes had difficulties gathering their members for rehearsal and performances, while others disbanded entirely, as their members were unable to sustain themselves,” said Chhordapheak.

Ol Sam Ang, director of Phnom Penh’s Lakhon Bassac troupe, will show the piece “Mohasenapheakdey” and Orng Peng Gnorn , director of Lakhon Bassac Ponleu Vapathor Khmer –from Thbong Khmum province – will direct “kho sok kuma” at the festival. Both were elated at the scale of the event.

“We are excited to be a part of the first national bassac festival. This event really showcases the ministry’s attention to preserving Khmer cultural heritage. No matter what the results of the judging, we are doing this to preserve this unique form of art,” said Sam Ang.

Sam Ang said that it would be fantastic if the festival could become an annual event.

“However, I do suggest that the ministry review some of the bassac theatre videos that are available on YouTube. Some of them use inappropriate or derogatory language which conflicts with national cultural values and diminishes the status of the art form. With so many theatrical troupes trying hard to preserve the original form, it would be a shame if traditional values were subverted by faceless YouTubers,” he added.

Bassac theatre fan Nget Sophoan took to social media to express his feelings: “I have enjoyed the theatre since I was a small child, and loved to listen

to the national radio on Wednesdays and Saturdays when Saing Sarun and Chek Mach would bring me to tears with their performance of ‘Tep Soda Chan’.”

“As Ol Sam Ang’s troupe will perform at the festival, I hope that it will attract a lot of fans – and maybe create some new ones. This will do a lot to preserve classic Khmer theatre,” he added.

The festival, organised with the theme “Culture of Peace”, is relying on departments of culture across the Kingdom, as well as the Artisans’ Association of Cambodia and members of the public to promote it. The more widely promoted the event, the more artists are expected to enter.

The Ministry will select three winning performances at the festival, with the overall winners receiving gold medals and a cash prize. Silver and bronze medals – along with cash – will be awarded to the runners up.

Chhordapheak expressed his optimism for the event: “I think the festival will encourage bassac troupes throughout the Kingdom. The organisation of this festival demonstrates the close attention that the fine arts ministry is paying to conserving the arts and culture of Cambodia,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.