Apple Tree Productions International, founded in Phnom Penh in May 2022, put on the first edition of their first project, “SPEAK”, the following month.  After a year of successful events, Kumnooh spoke to co-founder Cat Isaacs to shed some more light on “SPEAK” and what’s behind it. 

“SPEAK” is a spoken word/poetry platform for the showcasing of original work by poets from any background – local, expat, travelling through – once a month at Botanico, where we get the words off the paper and transform them into speech.  It’s an opportunity to grow the performance element of poetry, and build confidence in sharing work.  There’s some incredible writing going on, across many styles.  Initially we tried coupling it with music and creating a collaborative ambient soundscape, but as it developed we found it was better for the writers to just get a chance to read, particularly for first time performers.” 

At first the platform was set up largely for seasoned writers looking for a space to share, but that too changed.  “What has happened is that some people have come to the event and been inspired to write for the very first time, which is beautiful.  I never expected that that was going to be such a highlight of what we were doing.  So “SPEAK” has really taken a turn towards training first time performers, coaching them with the performance element. 

“We encourage the poets to write about what they know, not in the sense of only exploring only the things you’re familiar with, but to focus on the genuineness of experience, which has seemed to draw people in.  It’s not people just writing for the sake of writing, it’s work that’s coming from an internal space.  And it’s a beautiful thing to witness it in that form, almost like a healing process for some of the writers, where they’ve got something inside them that they just need to share.  And you can feel when writing is fake, you can feel when somebody is making a farce of the form.  The respect that all performers, even new ones, have shown to the space has always come from a genuine place, and that has really connected with people.  It wasn’t something we tried to manufacture.  There’s no hate speech, and there’s no vulgarity directed towards anyone – those are the only caps that I’ve put on the writing.  Just minimal guidelines, it’s translated very well that way.” 

Tell us more about Apple Tree Productions.  “Arts and theatre and drama really saved my life, and my skill set is growing ensemble and coaching, and using the arts as a medium for healing.  The projects that we’re launching focus celebrating the arts and providing a therapeutic space for anyone going through tough times without an outlet.” 

The other Apple Tree Productions project currently running is “SING”, which celebrates musical theatre and show tunes.  “With “SING” I work with Kirsty Marillier, an absolutely phenomenal performer with a preference for the Disney side of musical theatre; she also runs a kids’ party business called Party Princess 911.  We worked together on a version of “SING” in South Africa – appreciating the world within the song, taking you on a journey from beginning to end.  We thought musical theatre is not really being done in Phnom Penh, so let’s try it out.  And don’t be thinking it’s karaoke.  There is a screening process for performers including a vocal test, making sure that they are able to learn a song if they need to, and each show is rehearsed, including a tech rehearsal, before the one-night-only mini show.  Paul Glew very generously provides space for us at The Box Office and sorts out all the sound and lighting.”

“SPEAK” is held on Mondays once a month, always trying to avoid clashing with Nerd Night – this  monthis actually the first time the two events will happen on the same night.  For future activities of Apple Tree Productions International check out their Facebook page – they also post regularly in a number of Facebook groups and noticeboards of various kinds. 

The next “SPEAK” will happen on Monday 19 June, and the next “SING” will happen on Tuesday 20 June.