Used to be, theater-lovers in Phnom Penh knew they’d be spending their nights at either the Chaktomuk or the Bassac theaters.
But that was before the Bassac burned down, and the Chaktomuk was transformed into a luxurious conference center, too nice to be used on a daily basis.
These days, the only big theater in town is the auditorium at the Royal University of Fine Arts’ north campus on Street 70.
“We hope, someday, to be able to rebuild the Bassac, and the Chaktomuk is beautiful, but it will only be used for very special events and conferences,” said Fred Frumberg of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Until then, he said, “People need to realize, [the RUFA auditorium] is the only theater in town.”
In the spring of 2000, Frumberg was working at the university theater on “Samritechak,” a Cambodian classical dance telling the story of William Shakespeare’s “Othello.”
“Samritechak” was shifted to RUFA because the Chaktomuk was still being renovated, and a number of structural problems came to light. Frumberg launched first a personal fund-raising campaign, collecting about $6,000 from friends and acquaintances in Phnom Penh. Since then, Unesco has donated “well over $20,000,” he said, while substantial amounts came from both the Kasumisou Foundation and MobiTel.
The donations have provided a new lighting and sound system, new seats (the old seats from the Chaktomuk, recycled), new fans for the auditorium and backstage areas, repairs to the generator, new toilets for theater-goers, new doors and fresh paint. The theater’s capacity has also been expanded from 460 seats to 575.
The shows at the theater are part of the MobiTel Performing Arts Series. Upcoming performances include the classical dance “Kray Thong” Saturday and Sunday, Lakhaon Bassac “Sang Selchey” July 7 and July 8, a Khmer circus and folk dance July 14 and July 15, Lakhaon Yike “Neang Padacha” July 21 and July 22 and classical dance and Lakhaon Khaol, July 28 and July 29.
