Bring on the rains

A wonderful opportunity to see classical Cambodian dance being performed by some of the most skilled practitioners of the artform in the country, is available this week at the Khmer Arts Theater in Takhmao, just outside Phnom Penh. For two evenings on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th April, the Khmer Arts Ensemble will perform one of the classic dances, Ream Eyso & Moni Mekhala, which is effectively a dance designed to bring on the rains as Mekhala, the water goddess with a crystal ball, battles with Ream Eyso, the storm spirit and his axe. The legend suggests this battle is the origin of thunder and lightning. The performances, which are free, will begin at 6.30pm after a half-hour introduction from the choreographer, Sophiline Cheam Shapiro.