UKS 16th Annual Culture Night (2012-2013)
"This year's play focuses on oral tradition as a mother tells various stories to her daughter before she sleeps. Each story touches a different tradition or classic folktale. Firstly, the story of the magic millstone tells the venture of a simple woodcutter who spends almost all his time working. One day, his efforts are repaid as Lok Ta gives him a magic millstone. Unfortunately, the woodcutter's jealous older brother steals away the millstone, and karma ends up repaying the deed. The second story tells of two young lovers who aim to get married. As fate would have it, a corrupt official also aims to get between them. In spite of the obstacles that stand before them, the young man fights for his true love.
The third folktale follows a young prince, stranded on an island due to a terrible storm. Upon arrival, he finds the island inhabited by the Naga people, a species of snake creatures, and must fight for the survival of his crew. There, he finds victory, true love, and the country of Cambodia. Lastly, the mother recounts a terrible tragedy form her past: a tragedy known as the Khmer Rouge. Though she would not normally recount her experiences to her young daughter, she comes to confront her past, her scars, and the experiences that have shaped her life, as well as the lives of countless others.
Every story serves as a purpose and possesses specific themes in morals, bravery, love, and courage. Each folktale is specifically chosen for a modern interpretation so all audience members are able to connect to and follow the plot and the characters, while still learning about Khmer culture, traditions, and ideas. The play culminates in a fictional account of the Khmer Rouge, drawn form various real-life reports and experiences. The Khmer Rouge, though a sensitive topic, is a part of Cambodian history that has touched and affected the lives of millions. Our organization hopes to honor the memory of the victims of this tragedy and educate others about Cambodia's history and culture: the good, the bad, and the future that stems from it."
The third folktale follows a young prince, stranded on an island due to a terrible storm. Upon arrival, he finds the island inhabited by the Naga people, a species of snake creatures, and must fight for the survival of his crew. There, he finds victory, true love, and the country of Cambodia. Lastly, the mother recounts a terrible tragedy form her past: a tragedy known as the Khmer Rouge. Though she would not normally recount her experiences to her young daughter, she comes to confront her past, her scars, and the experiences that have shaped her life, as well as the lives of countless others.
Every story serves as a purpose and possesses specific themes in morals, bravery, love, and courage. Each folktale is specifically chosen for a modern interpretation so all audience members are able to connect to and follow the plot and the characters, while still learning about Khmer culture, traditions, and ideas. The play culminates in a fictional account of the Khmer Rouge, drawn form various real-life reports and experiences. The Khmer Rouge, though a sensitive topic, is a part of Cambodian history that has touched and affected the lives of millions. Our organization hopes to honor the memory of the victims of this tragedy and educate others about Cambodia's history and culture: the good, the bad, and the future that stems from it."