Travel Tip: Dance in Belgium
Crack

Crack
Arco Renz / Kobalt Works & Amrita Performing Arts

The German choreographer Arco Renz (formerly of P.A.R.T.S) has immersed himself in the traditional performing arts and martial arts of Asia.

Crack is a new work featuring seven young, classically trained dancers from Amrita Performing Arts, a Phnom Penh-based international NGO that aims to promote classical Cambodian dance among the younger generation, while also taking an interest in contemporary idioms.

The rich tradition of classical Cambodian dance suffered greatly under the horrific regime of the Khmer Rouge. In 2003, following years of extreme oppression, the classical dance style, the Rohm Borann, won ultimate recognition when it was designated by UNESCO as part of humanity's cultural heritage.

Marc Appart, who regularly composes for Kobalt Works, composed the music in close consultation with the popular Cambodian rapper Bboy Peanut Nam, standard-bearer of the growing subculture among young Cambodians. The seven classical dancers are joined onstage by two rappers from Tiny Toones, a community centre for breakdance, hip hop, and contemporary art in Cambodia.

Arco Renz, artistic direction, choreography
Chey Chankethya, dance
Chumvan Sodhachivy, dance
Chy Ratana, dance
Ngeth Rady, dance
Phon Sopheap, dance
Yon Davy, dance
Marc Appart. music
'Peanut' AKA Phanna Nam, music
Vy Chamroeun, vocals
Kong Piseth (JR), vocals
Nuria Guiu Sagarra, assistant choreographer
Tang Fu Kuen, dramaturgy
Patrick Riou, lighting design
Amrita Performing Arts (Cambodia) production

Commissioned for the Singapore Arts Festival