Album Notes

Lyrics and traditional music arrangement by Sophiline Cheam Shapiro.

Musicians:
Seang Ngornly (roneat ek), Se Phalla (roneat thong), San Kim Suar (gong tuch), Meas Borin (gong thom), Chhem Sok (sampho & skor thom), Nol Kol (sralai), Pum Bun Chanrath (chung), Doung Marey (vocals), Sim Chanmoly (vocals), Yann Borin (vocals).


Description:
The Glass Box is music for a solo Cambodian classical dance, choreographed by Sophiline Cheam Shapiro, that explores the relationship between contemporary Cambodian women and tradition, expressing the paradox that traditional culture ca at once celebrate feminine virtue and imprison women through restrictive social rules that are often enforced by other women.

Inspired by the story of a friend who was gunned down on a Phnom Penh street, presumably for having an affair with another woman's husband, The Glass Box features a goddess who is hiding from danger, having been accussed of behaving disreputably. Sick of her situation, she resigns herself to her fate and emerges from her retreat into a beautiful garden. As she enjoys her freedom, she becomes aware of her vulnerability. At first she tries to escape from the garden but finds that she cannot. She struggles to save her life but loses the battle. Finally, her spirit is able to leave the garden, wounded.