From Lowell to Angkor: Khmer Swan Lake Makes American Stage Debut

From Lowell to Angkor: Khmer Swan Lake Makes American Stage Debut

PHNOM PENH – For the first time, Cambodian classical dance has taken center stage in an American production of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake," reimagined through the lens of Khmer heritage and performed by the Angkor Dance Troupe in Lowell, Massachusetts.

"A Khmer Swan Lake" ran from April 8 to 26 at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre, coinciding with the Cambodian New Year and annual commemorations of the Khmer Rouge genocide. The production featured 35 rotating cast members—97 percent of whom were born in the United States—bringing to life a story that blends Western ballet with Cambodian royal dance traditions.

Executive Director Bora Chiemruom, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee in 1987, led the project with a clear vision: to elevate Khmer culture on the global stage. "I want us to be seen," she said. "We've been here for 40 years. We've shaped the arts in this city."

To ensure authenticity, the creative team traveled to Cambodia to work with 10 dance masters and musicians who preserved the nation's royal arts during the genocide. The original score features Khmer instruments with echoes of Tchaikovsky's iconic music.

The result is a production that bridges worlds—honoring tradition while embracing innovation.

— Source: WBUR

https://www.wbur.org/news/2026/04/08/a-khmer-swan-lake-angkor-dance-troupe

Reported by The Khmer Today

Channa Sath (center) dances as the White Swan, Odette Devi, with creatures from the enchanted forest, from left, Vittu Touch, Trey Ta, Ranchanna Huy and Thida Huy in the fifth act of “A Khmer Swan Lake." (Courtesy James Higgins)

Sariah Sum (center) dances as the Princess of Indonesia in act five of “A Khmer Swan Lake" as Monica Veth (left) as the Queen Mother and Raine Yu and Peter Veth (right) look on. (Courtesy James Higgins)

Production artistic director Peter Veth, right, dances as prince Preah Siegfried Vormann with Rosa Lay (left) as the evil Krut in the sixth act of “A Khmer Swan Lake." (Courtesy James Higgins)

From left: Khana Desen, Victoria Ung, Channa Sath, Rancia Phin and Sophorl Ngin as the white swans in the third act of "A Khmer Swan Lake." (Courtesy James Higgins)