Brodal Serei explores the personal history of the Khmer boxer beyond the thrills and spills of the boxing ring in present day Cambodia. It scrutinizes a way of living not often seen by the audience and television cameras during the exciting and glamorous competitive fights. This dance reveals intimate social, cultural and socio-economic aspects of the sport inspired by fight choreographies and physical gestures of the Khmer boxing vocabulary. To ensure accuracy in the representation of this lifestyle, all three dancers shadowed professional Cambodian boxers for three weeks, as well as receiving expert coaching during rehearsals from Hem Saran.

Through a series of engaging scenes that weave dance, drama and storytelling, Brodal Serei casts the spotlight on the human face – and body – of success and struggle of a Cambodian cultural form where economy and sport are intertwined intricately.

Photo courtesy of John Vink

For more information about this piece please contact Rithisal Kang, Executive Director, at krithisal@amritaperformingarts.org