UKS 19th Annual Culture Night (2015-2016)
"'Bring Me Flowers' takes place in Cambodia during the late 1960's to 1970's -- one of the most eventful decades in Cambodian history.
In the midst of being in the middle of the Vietnam War, Cambodia was also brewing a civil war of its own. Albeit the political turmoil, Cambodia saw an incredible expansion in its music scene. Influences from all over the world made its way into traditional Cambodian music -- Rock 'n' Roll, Cuban, Cha Cha Cha, and more. Khmer music blossomed more than ever.
Dara Hean, a young farmer aspiring a career in music, experiences the importance of art and music to Cambodian society. He quickly acknowledges that music is an entrancing outlet to help us cope with life's daily hardships. Just like young musicians at the time, Dara and his peers view Western musical influences as a positive entity to welcome and embrace.
However, with the Khmer rouge communist takeover of the late 1970's, Dara encounters the end of a wondrous era of Khmer art and music. The Khmer Rouge had absolutely no tolerance for modernity and Western influences. Cambodian culture was lost, and in its place were sole thoughts of surviving the genocide.
We hope that 'Bring Me Flowers,' sheds light on the beauty of Cambodia's lost music scene that is often overshadowed by a tragic point in its history. The devastating effects of the Khmer Rouge still affect Cambodians and Cambodian Americans today. Despite these effects, we are still able to piece together and revive Cambodia's lost culture. Our production aims to bring a greater awareness and share our treasured Khmer heritage with others."
In the midst of being in the middle of the Vietnam War, Cambodia was also brewing a civil war of its own. Albeit the political turmoil, Cambodia saw an incredible expansion in its music scene. Influences from all over the world made its way into traditional Cambodian music -- Rock 'n' Roll, Cuban, Cha Cha Cha, and more. Khmer music blossomed more than ever.
Dara Hean, a young farmer aspiring a career in music, experiences the importance of art and music to Cambodian society. He quickly acknowledges that music is an entrancing outlet to help us cope with life's daily hardships. Just like young musicians at the time, Dara and his peers view Western musical influences as a positive entity to welcome and embrace.
However, with the Khmer rouge communist takeover of the late 1970's, Dara encounters the end of a wondrous era of Khmer art and music. The Khmer Rouge had absolutely no tolerance for modernity and Western influences. Cambodian culture was lost, and in its place were sole thoughts of surviving the genocide.
We hope that 'Bring Me Flowers,' sheds light on the beauty of Cambodia's lost music scene that is often overshadowed by a tragic point in its history. The devastating effects of the Khmer Rouge still affect Cambodians and Cambodian Americans today. Despite these effects, we are still able to piece together and revive Cambodia's lost culture. Our production aims to bring a greater awareness and share our treasured Khmer heritage with others."