The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts is set to host a two-day Bassac theatre festival on October 3-4 at the Department of Performing Arts in Phnom Penh. The event aims to preserve and promote Cambodia’s rich arts, culture, traditions, and national identity. It also seeks to contribute to societal development and enhance national prestige. The ministry emphasized that safeguarding the Kingdom’s cultural heritage is a responsibility for all Cambodian citizens.
Chhieng Chhordapheak, deputy director of the Department of Performing Arts, revealed that the department had received applications and video performances from 10 Bassac theatre troupes. “We have received applications from three troupes in Kandal province, and one each from Phnom Penh and the provinces of Kep and Tbong Khmum,” he noted. Chhordapheak also highlighted that there are 66 Bassac theatre troupes registered across the capital and 14 provinces, with expectations of more submissions.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for many theatre groups, leading to the disbandment of several due to financial difficulties and the inability to gather members for rehearsals and performances.
Among the participants, Ol Sam Ang, director of Phnom Penh’s Lakhon Bassac troupe, will present the piece “Mohasenapheakdey,” while Orng Peng Gnorn, director of Lakhon Bassac Ponleu Vapathor Khmer from Tbong Khmum province, will showcase “Kho Sok Kuma.” Both directors expressed their excitement about the festival’s scale. “We are excited to be a part of the first national Bassac festival. This event really showcases the ministry’s attention to preserving Khmer cultural heritage,” said Sam Ang.
Sam Ang also suggested that the ministry review some Bassac theatre videos available on YouTube, noting that some contain inappropriate language that conflicts with national cultural values. He emphasized the importance of preserving the art form’s integrity amidst such challenges.
Bassac theatre enthusiast Nget Sophoan took to social media to share his excitement: “I have enjoyed the theatre since I was a small child, and loved to listen to the national radio on Wednesdays and Saturdays when Saing Sarun and Chek Mach would bring me to tears with their performance of ‘Tep Soda Chan.’” Sophoan hopes that Ol Sam Ang’s troupe’s performance at the festival will attract a significant audience and help preserve classic Khmer theatre.
The festival, themed “Culture of Peace,” relies on support from culture departments across the Kingdom, the Artisans’ Association of Cambodia, and the public for promotion. The Ministry will select three winning performances, with the top performances receiving gold medals and cash prizes, while silver and bronze medals, along with cash, will be awarded to runners-up.
Chhordapheak expressed optimism about the event’s impact: “I think the festival will encourage Bassac troupes throughout the Kingdom. The organisation of this festival demonstrates the close attention that the fine arts ministry is paying to conserving the arts and culture of Cambodia.”
As the Bassac theatre festival approaches, it highlights the enduring cultural heritage of Cambodia and the collective effort to preserve it for future generations.
