Khmer Shadow Theatre are forms of shadow play in which leather shadow puppets are used. The two main genres include Sbek Thom (or “large puppet”) the other being Sbek Toch (or “little puppet”) which uses smaller puppets and a wide range of stories. And another genre called Sbek Por uses colored leather puppets.

Sbek Thom is a Khmer shadow performing art which features two-meter high puppets made of cow’s leather. This kind of Khmer shadow performing art is said to be an influence from India dating back to the first century.

In the past these shadow plays were performed as a religious ritual, and were only performed in the worship for the special occasions such as Khmer New Year, King’s birthday, or for showing respect to certain famous people. However, this shadow performance has evolved from a ceremonial or ritual activity to a performing art while its ritualistic dimension is still retained. Khmer Shadow Theatre has also been inscribed by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) to the list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity:

"The Puppet Shadow performances traditionally take place in an open area on a rice-field or pagoda in the evening. A massive white backdrop is held between two tall bamboo sticks in front of a large fire. The shadow of the puppet’s silhouette is projected onto this white screen using fire torches, which creates a shadow effect. The puppeteers bring the puppet to life with specific movements, and it is often accompanied by an orchestra and narrators of the story."

~ Sbek Thom, Khmer Shadow Theater - UNESCO.org

This art from is in danger of disappearing all together as many of its practitioners were killed during the reign of the Khmer Rouge.

In Angkor Awakens we attempt to pay homage to this art from by using elements of it to help explain Cambodia’s sometimes confusing history. In no way should our performance be considered representational of actual Khmer Shadow Theatre, but rather an attempt to pay homage to the art and more so to the artists who perished during the oppressive Khmer Rouge regime.

-Scott Hitz, Puppet Director

Cornell Council for the Arts