The ancient art of shadow puppetry (sbaek in Khmer) has been part of the fabric of Cambodian culture for thousands of years. Indeed, graceful spectacles involving intricately carved puppets date back to pre-Angkorian times—which makes attending a show in Siem Reap as authentic a way of absorbing the country’s history as an exploration of the famous relics just up the road. At Kafu Resort & Spa, whose excellent restaurant offers traditional Khmer food, Wednesday night is shadow-puppet night, with a theater-and-dance show performed by the children of the NGO Krousar Thmey.
Shadow puppetry, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Philippe Body / age fotostock
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Experience the Ancient Art of Shadow Puppetry
The ancient art of shadow puppetry (sbaek in Khmer) has been part of the fabric of Cambodian culture for thousands of years. Indeed, graceful spectacles involving intricately carved puppets date back to pre-Angkorian times—which makes attending a show in Siem Reap as authentic a way of absorbing the country’s history as an exploration of the famous relics just up the road. At Kafu Resort & Spa, whose excellent restaurant offers traditional Khmer food, Wednesday night is shadow-puppet night, with a theater-and-dance show performed by the children of the NGO Krousar Thmey.
