UKS 17th Annual Culture Night (2013-2014)
"The story of Moni Mekhala and Ream Eyso is part of a sacred dance ceremony known as buong suong. The buong suong ceremony has been performed for hundreds of years and continues to be performed yearly during Khmer New Year in April. The dance drama of Moni Mekhala and Ream Eyso weaves together and provides an explanation for the origins of lightning, thunder, and the heavy rains that mark the end of the hottest month of the year and the advent of the rainy season. The purpose is to praise the gods and goddesses in the heavens and to pray for fertile lands and a prosperous year.
We have taken the legend of the giant and the goddess and adapted it to our visions while keeping to the intrinsic values of rebirth, renewal, and regeneration the original myth imparted. The story starts off with the hermit, master of magical arts, raising an abandoned giant and goddess from childings to adulthood. Cambodia has been suffering from a centuries-long drought, and it is the fate of Moni and Ream, steadfast friends, to decide which one of the two will gain control over the natural balance of Earth. Through various challenges, Moni and Ream compete against each other for the possession of the two magical objects which will grant them enormous power. As we follow Moni and Ream on their journey, we encounter a wide variety of mystical of mystical creatures, including silly monkeys, sassy mermaids, Naga serpents, and an evil spirit, all archetypes in Cambodian literature with their own distinct personalities.
Our primary intent with this production is to introduce a little known story that provides an explanation to a well known yearly natural occurence throughout South East Asia. By incorporating an old myth with contemporary themes, we have a production we are proud to present to all interested in Cambodian culture."
We have taken the legend of the giant and the goddess and adapted it to our visions while keeping to the intrinsic values of rebirth, renewal, and regeneration the original myth imparted. The story starts off with the hermit, master of magical arts, raising an abandoned giant and goddess from childings to adulthood. Cambodia has been suffering from a centuries-long drought, and it is the fate of Moni and Ream, steadfast friends, to decide which one of the two will gain control over the natural balance of Earth. Through various challenges, Moni and Ream compete against each other for the possession of the two magical objects which will grant them enormous power. As we follow Moni and Ream on their journey, we encounter a wide variety of mystical of mystical creatures, including silly monkeys, sassy mermaids, Naga serpents, and an evil spirit, all archetypes in Cambodian literature with their own distinct personalities.
Our primary intent with this production is to introduce a little known story that provides an explanation to a well known yearly natural occurence throughout South East Asia. By incorporating an old myth with contemporary themes, we have a production we are proud to present to all interested in Cambodian culture."