Cambodia Joins Melbourne International Arts Festival

he art troupes of the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, led by H. E. Him Chhem, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts had joint the International Arts Festival performance in Melbourne from 6th to 8th October 2005.

The Cambodian performance of Lakhaon Khaol begins with the unique Khmer tradition and one of Cambodia’s oldest classical dance forms.

Lakhaon Khaol is traditionally performed around Khmer New Years to purge the community of bad omens as an entreaty to the gods to bring them with a peaceful and happiness.

Weyreap’s Battle, an episode from the Khmer (Ramayana) epic, depicts the struggle between good, represented by Preah Ream, Preah Leak and the Monkey Army, and evil, embodied by Krong Reap and the Army of Giants. Eventually good prevails in the form of the hero, Preah Ream.

Weyreap’s Battle rapidly became one of the most important stories in Cambodia literature and still continues to play a vital role that extends its inclusion in the country educational curriculum.

Currently this performance plays significant role on social and good moral to the young generations in the ideals of wisdom, patience, justice and understanding, and contributes to the nation’s ongoing development of Cambodia.

INDEX:

	GMS Boat Race Phnom Penh, Cambodia 15-17 November 2005
	Remarks at the 9th Government-Private Sector Forum
	Cambodia Joins Melbourne International Arts Festival
	Australia to Hold Talks in Cambodia on Landmine Clearing
	Mekong Countries Unveil Joint Tourism Strategy to Promote New Era of Prosperity