Dances from Cambodia - The Story of Machhanup
by Apsara Arts Association
Cambodia
The Story of Machhanup is a tale from the Reamker and is unique to the Khmer version of the Ramayana. Performed in Cambodian classical dance by an ensemble of adult and child dancers, it tells the story of Machhanup who is half monkey and half fish. The tale begins with the soldiers of the monkey king, Hanuman, building a stone bridge across the waters to the island of giants. The golden mermaid princess of the sea, Sovann Maccha, orders her fishes and mythical sea creatures to remove the stones. Seeing this, Hanuman dives into the sea to stop them, and falls in love with her. She later bears his child, Machhanup, who grows up to be a powerful fighter, trained by a giant orge Morha Rom Ell. Not knowing who his father is, Machhanup battles Hanuman. But Sovann Maccha stops the fight and reveals the truth.
Since 1998, Apsara Arts Association has been dedicated to help restore and support traditional Cambodian arts and culture through the education and training of performing artists. The organisation also focuses on providing aid to orphans and poor children, and advocating children’s rights.
Date:
15 Oct 2010, Fri
Time:
8pm & 9.15pm
Duration: 30mins each
Venue:
Esplanade, Outdoor Theatre
© Timothy Liong Photography