Sovanna Phum (Golden era) is an independent Khmer art association in Phnom Penh. Started in 1994, the association was created in order to give Khmer artists the opportunity to perform their art and to make a living. The aims are to revive, preserve and promote the treasures of Khmer culture to local and international audiences.

Khmer court dance has been regarded as a female tradition. Women perform the role of king, queen, prince, princess, and demon; expect the roles of monkey, which is played by men. The costumes, headdresses, masks, movements, and gestures identify the characters...

Most of the artists of Sovanna Phum are students and graduates from The Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. The Association provides them an opportunity to practice and perform their talent, as it is one of the few modern theatres available for performances open to the general public.

With the construction of its new stage, Sovanna Phum now offers a space that allows the Cambodian people to tying-up with their culture...

Shadow puppetry is powerful and mysterious in its immateriality, capturing the imagination of the people for thousands of years. Even within the structured storylines, every performance leaves room for improvisation. This allows the art form to remain a relevant, living part of the culture of the time, able to respond to the contemporary needs of the population.