Celebrating our rights

Ieng Sithul and Him Sivorn perform a duet to close the event

Human Rights Day - the 60th anniversary of the universal declaration of Human Rights - was celebrated in Cambodia tonight with an event at the Chaktomuk Theatre on the riverside that provided a unique opportunity to see a diverse array of cultural talents in one show. It ranged from hip-hop breakdancing teenagers to living legends of stage and screen and was an eclectic mix that kept the audience enthralled. The traditional wishing dance, performed by the girls of Sovanna Phum began the performance, followed by a children's story from master puppeteer Mann Kosal, and then a shadow puppet story about the Mekong River. The Tiny Toones breakdancing crew got the crowd cheering wildly, whilst the legendary Chapei master Kong Nai sang a song especially crafted for the event. The performers from Epic Arts showed that disability is no barrier to creating and interpreting art, whilst the half dozen members of the Messenger Band pulled no punches in their songs of social justice and workers rights. To close the show, two more giants of Cambodian music, Him Sivorn and Ieng Sithul took to the stage individually, and then together, to demonstrate their support for human rights. A very pleasant evening was had by all.

The wishing dance performed by Sovanna Phum's dancers

The puppeteers of Sovanna Phum after their Mekong River story

The incomparable Kong Nai, the master of the Chapei

The disabled and able-bodied dancers of Epic Arts

The opening protest song from The Messenger Band

The full complement of The Messenger Band - these girls sing very well

One of Cambodia's very top performing artists, Him Sivorn