Where the Elephants Weep
Main Prize - 2009
'Where the Elephants Weep' is Cambodia's first rock-opera. Loosely based on an ancient Cambodian love story, it follows Sam, a refugee from the Khmer Rouge genocide, who leaves the US to return to his homeland, committed to finding his roots. There he falls in love with Bopha, a Cambodian pop star. The story examines generational and social dislocations caused by war, as well as the clash between traditional culture and modernity. The score combines traditional musical forms, such as ancient Cambodian lullabies as well as Khmer Rouge propaganda songs, and modern Cambodian music and Western rock. It is sung in English and Khmer. The rock opera has been embraced by the Cambodian public but was banned from TV after monks protested against its content.
Fast Facts
Year of Entry: 2009
Category: Main Prize
Artform: Musical Theatre
Location: Cambodia
Permalink: http://www.freedomtocreate.com/where-the-elephants-weep
Category: Main Prize
Artform: Musical Theatre
Location: Cambodia
Permalink: http://www.freedomtocreate.com/where-the-elephants-weep
