Greetings:
Here comes high season – it’s a bumper list of events this week, after a mini-profile of Cat Isaacs.
Drop Cloth … a few things you might not know about
Cat Isaacs is best known in Cambodia as a singer with The Broken Cymbal and her work with Apple Tree Arts events. Next weekend she will be performing her play The Sins of the Father, at Speakeasy Theatre/The Box Office on Thursday 23 – Saturday 25, 7.30 pm. Tickets available here.
An artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is overrated
Big budget production without a director who knows what they’re doing. So there’s so many talented, brilliant people who are just not given a shot because either they don’t have a name yet, or they’re fresh out of university, or they have a concept but no one’s giving them that door. And sequel after sequel of garbage is being churned out, not giving space to new directors and new ideas. I’m not worried for the arts in that way, but I wish that a lot of that budget could go towards up and coming artists with fresh ideas, different eyes and different ways of doing things. I wish I had enough money to do it myself.
An artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is underrated
In South Africa there is often very little budget, and you have to do a lot with a little – you have to be creative, you have to be imaginative, using limited sets and props. I think that’s an underrated way of performing. I’m not a big fan of realism. And I think absurdist and experimental theatre – we call it poor theatre – it’s not celebrated enough because there’s no grandiosity or spectacle.
An early arts memory
I was four, and my mum was friends with a lady I knew as Aunty Judy. I remember exactly what she was wearing – a long blue skirt, a white blouse, and she was greying. She had access to the backstage on a production of The Wizard of Oz at the State Theatre in Pretoria. I remember seeing the witch have the bucket of water thrown on her and melt into the stage. I felt it in my soul that that is something I wanted to be a part of. And then having the privilege of being taken backstage, walking through with Aunty Judy – she was talking with everyone, I don’t know how involved she was or if she just knew someone in the show, but the way that she was interacting with people backstage, and I thought I want to be able to do this as well, with the crew, the wardrobe, the make-up. I just wanted to be a part of that world, making those stories come to life on stage. Such a vivid memory.
The last thing you had to eat
I had shakshuka for breakfast this morning, with extra bacon and peppermint tea.
How did you get your start in theatre?
I got started on television first – I was on a game show version of Kideo, when I was three years old, it was my favourite show. Then I did work as an extra in high school. Theatre was not encouraged in my household, in fact I was actively discouraged from considering it as a career. I only really got into a theatre space in high school – after our drama course was deleted from the curriculum a group of us got together and fought to have it reinstated. Then I did a drama degree at university.
When did you first come to / first leave Cambodia?
It seems so long ago but so yesterday. Towards the end of COVID, June 26 2021. I remember the date because I missed my nephew’s birthday on the 29th.
A book or movie you keep going back to
Shrek! It is my comfort movie, I’ve loved it since I was ten years old, when it came out. It ties in to memories of my mum and my sister, going to the movies as girls together. Shrek is very important to me. It wasn’t really made for children, there were a lot of themes in there – that feeling of being an outsider and being so misunderstood and lonely, I identified so much with Shrek as a character. The yearning for closeness while not being able to do anything about yourself that inspires the opposite. Also the best sequel ever made is Shrek 2.
What languages do you speak?
English and Afrikaans. I can speak a little bit of Spanish – I can get by on greetings and asking for food things in almost every language.
A country that you would like to visit
There aren’t many that are still on my list but definitely Malaysia. I want to go to Kuala Lumpur, and I’ve heard really good things about Langkawi. Apparently my grandfather on my father’s side has Malaysian heritage or some kind of connection. And I really want to go to Hong Kong Disneyland.
Something people might be surprised to know about you
I’m shy. A lot of people think I’m a very outgoing, confident person, which is true, but if not in a true performance space on stage or for a gig, I get really bashful in life settings. Also I play the drums, and I’m pretty good – not to professional level. And I’m really good at maths, algebra and geometry – but not trigonometry, I hate trigonometry.
A question from last week’s participant:
Given the vast number of people putting their art into the public sphere and the lack of attention of the average individual, coupled with a modern obsession with tearing down those who achieve great things, do you think that’s possible for a great, era-defining artist to emerge and—if so—how might this happen?
I think that in the past the communities that these great artists emerged out of were quite small, and those small communities decided that the work was great. Maybe one in 20 are talented, or maybe two out of 20 are talented, and out of those two one has encouragement and love and family support, so that’s the one that everybody sees. So it becomes great work because it is the only work. Nowadays, there are so many fabulous artists, singers, musicians, actors, dancers – it’s saturated, because there are more people in the world. And social media has given everyone the space to have an opinion, so the community of people who decide what is great and not great is open to the masses, and the masses are not necessarily educated in the arts, and it is difficult to separate an informed opinion for an uninformed opinion. A lot of people want to put their work into the public sphere but are afraid of having it ripped to shreds. I teach my students, and I also have to keep reminding myself – you must rip your own work to shreds before you put it out there, so nothing can touch you, because it’s also not you that you’re putting out, it’s your work, it doesn’t define who you are as a person, but do it anyway. If the fear of what somebody else is going to say about it is holding you back then you don’t deserve to put it out yet, and you need to do some self-work. Being an artist is not creating great work, it’s creating work. There’s always the chance that down the line a future eye will find your work somewhere and it’s going to change their life.
Event listings:
Tuesday 14 at Meta House sees the opening of Nature of Women, an exhibition by emerging Cambodian artists Billy S and Fia Ry, with contributions from Reaksa Bung (painting), Sao Sopheak (video), Yon Davy (dance), and Chan Vimean (text). 6 pm.
More info
On Wednesday 15 at Raffles Le Royal the French Institute presents a jazz concert by Marion Rampal (FR), a tribute to Abbey Lincoln. “Far from a conventional tribute reaching for the stars, Song For Abbey is a gesture of living memory that seeks to invoke and share the spirit of an immense artist, one who considered jazz as the most conducive form to what she called “character building.” Featuring Arthur Alard (drums), Laurent Vernerey (bass), Bruno Ruder (piano) and Matthis Pascaud (guitar).
More info and tickets
Wednesday 15 at The Box Office, Comedy in Cambodia presents the improvised show Stand-up Unscripted at 7.30 pm.
More info
Thursday 16 at Friends Futures Factory, Creative Generation presents Life, an evening of performance and conversation with Performance Lab artist in residence composer Gardika Gigih with Lokru Nuon Sok and Ni-O Panha. 6 pm. Then on Sunday 19, at the same location, Gardika Gigih presents two workshops, Sound Story at 1.30 pm and Collective Composition at 4 pm.
More info
Friday 17 at Factory, a special event featuring a screening of The Perfect Motion by Xavier de Lauzanne, a documentary about the history of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia workshop, plus live performances by the Princess Buppha Devi Dance School. Q&A to follow. Tickets from $5. 6 pm.
More info and tickets
Saturday 18 at Bophana Center is Alive, a new exhibition by Kim Hak, “a long-term photography project that brings memories attached to objects.”
More info
Also Saturday 18 at The Box Office, Comedy in Cambodia presents Comedic Stylings featuring Raven Krystal, Andrew Leyva, Matthew Reading, David Benaim and Sam Thomas. Tickets $5. 7.30 pm.
More info
Also also on Saturday 18 Meta House presents the 14th Chaktomuk Short Film Festival, 77 short films divided into World Cinema Spotlight (6 pm) and Asian Cinema Spotlight (8 pm). Followed on Sunday 19 by sessions on Life and Lessons (6 pm) and a Cambodian Filmmaker panel discussion (8 pm). All films with English subtitles. Free entry.
More info – Saturday
More info – Sunday
And in Siem Reap on Saturday 18 The River Gallery is holding a raffle of works from their Colors of Cambodia exhibition, featuring work by Julia Haw, Ponleu Prom, Bill Gentry, Sor Sophany and Loun Lon. Funds raised go to their educational programme for children and teens – they are celebrating 25 years of providing free arts education. You can purchase $2 raffle tickets online in advance, and you don’t have to be present to win.
More info
On Sunday 19, a classical recital: Martin Ng (SG) sings German Masterpieces of Romanticism at Raffles Le Royal.
More info and tickets
Coming to The Box Office on October 23 – 25 is The Sins of the Father, a theatrical piece written and performed by Cat Isaacs – see Drop Cloth above. Minimum age 16. More info and tickets
On October 23, Sra’Art present a night of art roulette. 6 pm.
More info
October 24, the French Institute presents a night of contemporary dance with Dalila Belaza (FR) at the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh.
More info
The Bong Bonlai/YK Art House Day Time Open Mic is returning to a regular monthly schedule starting October 25 (a Saturday). 4 pm start, with a special free introduction to the Phnom Penh Ukulele Circle from 3 pm for the ukulele curious.
The next (15th!) Musica Felica choir charity concert, Living Hope will be held at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra on October 26.
For Halloween, October 30 and 31, LoKey Theater present The Haunted Theatre Mystery. Each experience lasts 30–45 minutes. Minimum age 16.
More info
Starting in November, new Tuol Tom Pong venue The House of Jazz will be hosting a poetry night every third Wednesday of the month. Currently seeking a host and interested poets.
More info via email
Currently at Sosoro – Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum is Into the Light: the retrieved painting of Phnom Penh’s Silver Pagoda, paintings rediscovered in the Preah Keo Morkot Church. Open daily (except Monday) from 9 am – 6 pm.
Ongoing….
Exhibitions:
The Gallerist
Rolling exhibitions of mostly Cambodian artists. Currently on display is work by Chov Theanly.
More info
Meta House
Nature of Women, an exhibition by emerging Cambodian artists Billy S and Fia Ry, with contributions from Reaksa Bung (painting), Sao Sopheak (video), Yon Davy (dance), and Chan Vimean (text). 6 pm.
More info
MiMü
Mini-Museum of Contemporary Art at Meta House features research, knowledge sharing, workshops, and visual presentations through various media, showcasing videos, prints, installations, and fine arts through interactive events and live performances. Currently on display are paintings by Svay Ken. “Svay Ken’s paintings illustrate scenes from everyday life in Cambodia that are often charged with the presence of unsettling forces beyond the picture frame.”
More info
Plantation
Human Canvas: Portraits of Identity, a solo photography exhibition by Joaquin Barata. Exhibition runs until October 19. Media: Cambodianess
More info
Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem Reap)
Harmony, a show by Morn Chear and Nak Noy with TRIBE Cambodia curated by Nat Di-Maggio.
More info
The River Gallery (Siem Reap)
Exhibition by Colors of Cambodia Collective featuring Hour Soben, Thy Channarak, Sorm Narath, Loun Lon, Sophany Sor, Sophanin Sor, Bill Gentry, Son Kosal, Set Soeng and Julia Haw.
More info
Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio. Rolling exhibitions. Media: Le Petit Journal (FR)(June 2025)
Sosoro – Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum
The current temporary exhibition is Into the Light: the retrieved painting of Phnom Penh’s Silver Pagoda, paintings rediscovered in the Preah Keo Morkot Church. Open daily (except Monday) from 9 am – 6 pm.
Space Four Zero
Art gallery and vinyl lounge featuring prints, paintings, vintage posters, pop art, books, CDs and rare vinyl, collectables and groovy gifts. Open daily at new premises at #25 Street 240 near Street 19 (by The Shop and Red Apron)
More info
Sra’Art
Nature’s Palette, a contemporary art exhibition by Emily Marques. “Explore nature’s rhythms of death, rebirth, chaos, and renewal through vibrant paintings that reflect resilience and harmony.” Thursday 9 Emily will present an artist talk and do some live painting.
Tribe Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Permanent showroom for works of Nak Noy.
More info
Regular events, classes, sessions:
N o w h e r e Art Studio (relocated to Maloop) occasional workshops.
More info
No Frame Party hosts weekend art workshops in a variety of forms at venues around Phnom Penh.
Life Drawing Phnom Penh – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm, at Station 350.
More Flamingos present art workshops on Tuesday evenings from 6.30 pm at WILD.
More info
Thursdays to Sundays at K’Atelier – art classes for all levels of experience.
More info
A weekly class in life drawing for kids with Anastasia at Pteah Chas Community.
More info
Khmer Architecture Tours conducts Sunday architecture tours in Phnom Penh to promote the understanding of modern architecture in Cambodia, focusing on buildings erected after independence in 1953, described as ‘New Khmer Architecture’, while setting these in the historical context of Phnom Penh. Here is the schedule for January – June 2025.
Kumnooh was established in May 2013 as a sister publication to LengPleng.com, the online music magazine for Cambodia, to provide basically a gig guide for the wider arts, covering art galleries, literature, dance, cinema, photography and now comedy.
Perhaps you would consider becoming a Friend of Kumnooh, where we ask venues, artists and/or individuals to show their support by making a small monetary contribution (12 months for $75, six months for $40 or three months for $25) to keep the lights on and to increase our coverage with articles and mini-profiles. In return you receive a boost in promotion, including a non-Facebook web page on our site for direct contact with the dedicated arts audience. Queries by return email – fabianhipp@kumnooh.com.
For a more rock’n’roll view of Phnom Penh and the wider Cambodian music scene, please check out our sister publication lengpleng.com, the long running live music gig guide.
Send a ‘subscribe’ email to fabianhipp@kumnooh.com to receive Kumnooh in your inbox every Tuesday lunchtime.
Are we missing something? Let us know at fabianhipp@kumnooh.com.
See you about…
Fabian Hipp
Kumnooh
fabianhipp@kumnooh.com
Department of Mutual Support: Friends of LengPleng (and Kumnooh too)
Crossing over from our sister site LengPleng are supporters YK Art House and Space Four Zero. For less than 6,000 riel a week you too could have your venue/business promoted deep into the arts audience; or you might just like to support the work being done by these two entities who trawl Facebook so you don’t have to. For more information: fabianhipp@kumnooh.com / gigs@lengpleng.com, or bail up Scoddy wherever you see him.
Kumnooh 