Publisher's Synopsis
Moni Mekhala and Ream Eyso retells the sacred drama of the same name, a tale in which rivaling students of a powerful hermit bring life to lightning, thunder, and rain. Weaving together interviews, essays, photographs, and illustrations, the book uses the story to explore the evolution of the Khmer classical dance tradition, the passage of leadership within artistic tradition nearly destroyed by genocide, and the circumstances of today's women. Additional contributors include award-winning choreographer Sophiline Cheam Shapiro, cultural anthropologist Toni Shapiro-Phim, and visual artist Brian Mendez. "[An] enlightening and engaging exploration of one of the most important works in the Cambodian dance drama repertory... A love letter to the character of Moni Mekhala and all of the women who have safeguarded this exquisite art form for generations, this book is a testament to the power of myth in our everyday lives." Cecily Cook Senior Program Officer, Asian Cultural Council - New York "This book is profoundly artist-centered and thus offers an utterly unique and intimate account of Khmer classical dance. This is the first book to acknowledge how gender and sexuality can be interrogated through Khmer dance, whether in the distant Cambodian past, in a post-genocide present, or in Long Beach, California." Dr. Deborah Wong Professor of Music, University of California - Riverside President of Board of Directors, Alliance for California Traditional Arts "Lovingly conceived... Moni Mekhala and Ream Eyso captures the essence of a woman's strength and resilience in the midst of raging violence. It is a book I would want to get as a gift to all the girls and women in the various circles of my life." Chivy Sok Cambodian American human rights advocate and co-founder of Devata Giving Circle
