The British Museum is home to a collection of nearly 900 photographs of two early 20th Century dance troupes – the personal troupe of HM King Sisowath Monivong the personal troupe of HM King Monivong, and that favoured by the French colonial administration. The photographs, most likely taken by Englishman Sir Gerald F. Kelly, provide a beautiful and comprehensive record of the costumes and choreography of Khmer court dance as it existed in 1937. The collection includes portraits of fourteen individual women, including a young Chea Samy.

This session will feature a presentation of selected images, allowing dancers, academics, and members of the public to share their thoughts and feelings. After a brief introduction to the history of the photographs, attendees will be invited to discuss the images in a group sharing session. We hope that this collaborative sharing of memories, both personal and generational, might help give life to the dancers in the photographs. The session will also provide space for collective thoughts on the future role the photographs can play as an archive of pre Khmer Rouge dance, hopefully becoming a valuable teaching resource for dancers today.

Friday, December 19, 2025, at 6:00pm, Bophana Center.