Tuesday, 24 September 2013
New Zealand’s first Cambodian Play – Neang Neak’s Legacy
Cambodia was formerly governed by the French until 1953 when it gained independence. The Vietnam War extended into Cambodia in 1975, giving rise to the Khmer Rouge and the infamous genocide that took place from 1975 to 1979 under Pol Pot’s brutal regime. Around 2 million people lost their lives through forced labour, torture and starvation.
Three decades ago the first Cambodian refugees arrived in New Zealand and now, a generation later, their children have finally begun to tell their stories. Tawata Productions, along with some of our country’s finest actors, are behind the first theatre to voice these stories here.
Lynda Chanwai-Earle is at their rehearsals in Wellington to meet playwright Sarita So and the cast as they prepare for their world premiere on Wednesday 25 September, 2013.