Khmer Performers Emerge from the Pandemic with Renewed Purpose
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23 December 2021 17:25 WIB
Bordering countries with robust tourism industries, Prim said Cambodia’s culture will be critical to keeping tourists in the Kingdom for more than just a few days to visit Angkor Wat.
“The two main countries that drove tourists [to the region] are Thailand, a huge tourism industry there, and Vietnam. Cambodia was in between,” Prim said. “Cambodia has been a new destination in Southeast Asia over the last decade [and it] has so much to offer in terms of diversity of destination and the cultural landscape is very interesting because it’s very rooted in its traditions.”
Prumsodun Ok, founder and artistic director of Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA, rehearses a dance with Morn Sopharoth. Photo: Anton L. Delgado
A layer of dust covered the surfaces underneath the performance tent at Phare, The Cambodian Circus. Huon Harb, the troupe’s director of operations, walked around the dimly lit tent, glancing at the rows of empty bleachers.
“All of these will be full soon,” Harb said as he sat on a workbench left on centre stage. “I know it.”
In preparation for what Harb hopes will be a steady flow of visitors now that Cambodia has loosened quarantine restrictions, the circus is refurbishing its grounds after nearly two years of inactivity.
“There is a lot of work to be done in just a few weeks. We need to revamp our entire facility to make sure it’s COVID safe and has all the right precautions,” Harb said. “We want to make sure we are ready for guests whenever the government decides to reopen.”
The circus grounds are alive with activity as staff check technical equipment and trim hedges.
Vouen Dy (right) and Chhoun Sothai (left) trim the hedges around Phare, The Cambodian Circus in preparation for Cambodia’s reopening to tourists. Photo: Anton L. Delgado
“Reopening will be like being reborn,” Harb said. “We want to put a smile on the face of every guest, artist and staff member.”
