Project Title: Kom Lang Satrey (‘Power Women’) Genre: Dance

New Cambodian Artists (NCA)  is a dance troupe based in Siem Reap.  Its performing members are Khon Srey Nuch, Kong Seng Va, Son Srey Nith, and NiLei.

NCA uses the pioneering artistic approach of fusing traditional Aspara dance with contemporary influences. NCA also pushes social boundaries in pursuing and spreading their mission of female empowerment through dance. Through means of theatre and dance they want to express and communicate the message that women in Cambodia should no longer accept their underprivileged position in general and the violence used against them in particular. NCA challenges the current perception of Cambodian art, women and their roles in society. NCA believes women should be able to escape a future of poverty, forced labor, arranged marriage and violence. NCA wants to reach out with this transformative message to a wide audience of impoverished women across the countryside and show them that women can be strong and make their own choices, just like the dancers did.

Choreography by visiting artist Ellen Steinmuller in collaboration with the dancers and in consultation with NCA’s artistic director Bob Ruijzendaal. In their performance, the dancers explore what it takes to break out of abusive structures and turn pain into power. This piece is designed to inspire a change in perception of women’s role in society by pushing the current boundaries of female artistic expression.