Dillwyn Medal Lecture: From War to Peace? Post-conflict Performance in Contemporary Cambodia

College of Science

Speaker

Dr Amanda Rogers, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography, Swansea University,

From: 8 Feb 2018, 5 p.m.
To: 8 Feb 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Science Central, Wallace Building and Grove Lecture Theatre, Singleton Park Campus. Ngwyddoniaeth Ganolog, Adeilad Wallace, Narlithfa Grove, Campws Parc Singleton. , Park Campus

This lecture discusses how contemporary Cambodian dance-drama responds to the legacies of war and genocide. During the Khmer Rouge (1975-1979) around 90% of Cambodian dancers were executed owing to their association with elite society. Much of the reconstruction and revival of Cambodian dance has emphasised narratives of survival and survivors. In this process, the restoration of dance is linked to the restoration of the nation and its cultural identity. However, a younger generation of dancers – and increasingly, their elder master counterparts – are developing new modes of expression. In moving beyond associations with the violence of the Khmer Rouge era, the contemporary Cambodian dance world navigates a series of problematic issues. These include: the relationship between national identity and globalisation; the desire among international audiences for Khmer Rouge stories; and issues of
self-censorship and social expectations. Drawing upon on-going fieldwork in Cambodia, the lecture discusses these dynamics by exploring recent dance productions.

All welcome – registration is not required

Drinks will be served beforehand at 17:00 in Science Central, Wallace Building, Singleton Park Campus

The lecture will start at 18:00 until 19:30 in the Grove Lecture Theatre


Contact: Anna Ratcliffe (Email: a.c.ratcliffe@swansea.ac.uk) - Telephone: 295235


Event created by: s.l.davies