Robam dance by Moni Mekhala - thunder and lightning

Robam (or another name: Rom Ro Bam) constitutes a classical type of Khmer court dance. Among the various varieties of this nation's performing arts, Robam is the most popular reaching the highest degree of mastery.

The "Robam Moni Mekhala" dance, which is most often played, tells symbolically about the natural phenomena preceding the rainy season. Using strictly defined gestures and hand movements, of which they have more than 3,500 at their disposal, the dancers tell the ancient legend of the goddess Moni Mekhala and the giant Ream Eyso.

Where did thunder and lightning come from?

Once upon a time, a goddess named Moni Mekhala and a giant called Ream Eyso took lessons from a master who took a special liking to these two disciples. He was an extremely wise and very famous hermit, living a solitary life deep in the Cambodian forests. He possessed a priceless magic sphere, which he wanted to pass on to his best student or pupil. Study time was drawing to a close, and the hermit, despite his vast knowledge and wisdom, was still unable to say whether the goddess Moni Mekhala or the giant Ream Eyso deserved the honor. In the end, he decided to give both of them one more task. The winner - or the winner - would receive his unusual gift. The sage's task was very simple: whoever was the first to bring a cup of morning dew filled to the brim would become the winner and owner of the crystal ball.

The ambitious giant Ream Eyso was sure of victory. Barely did the sun peek out from behind the horizon, he was already on his feet. He ran with his cup from leaf to leaf and shook off dewdrops. Moni Mekhala, however, had a better idea. Instead of collecting individual drops, she spread out a handkerchief for the night. By morning, the handkerchief had become wet with dew and it only took one moment to squeeze the water into the cup. Thus the contest was settled, the goddess received the winner's crystal ball, and the giant had to settle for the consolation prize of a magic axe. One would think that this was the end of the story, but in fact, it was only the beginning....

As is often the case with men, Ream Eyso, too, could not get over the idea that he had been defeated by a woman. The mockery from his friends only made his situation worse. Besides, the little crystal ball had far more power than his axe. The giant envied the goddess's victory and wanted to take the trophy from her as soon as possible. He persecuted Moni Mekhal and threatened her. He tried to bribe her with gifts, referred to their studies together, and even attempted to win her heart. Unfortunately, no tricks or subterfuge impressed Moni Mekhala. Finally, the giant, out of desperation and anger, threw an axe in her direction. The axe missed its target by a hair. The goddess then tossed the ball skyward and suddenly powerful lightning blinded the giant. Ream Eyso finally had to acknowledge his defeat.

Inseparable opponents

Despite their mutual disputes, the two characters are treated inseparably, as only by acting together do they manage to bring the much-coveted rain to the country during the Cambodian New Year and move another circle of life in nature. The battle between the giant and the goddess is repeated every year at the climax of the hot and dry season before the arrival of the monsoon rains. When Cambodians look at the dark storm clouds billowing in the sky, they know that Rean Eyso and Moni Mekhala are restarting their age-old duel. A flying axe makes thunder and a crystal ball lights up the sky with lightning. Together, they bring life-giving water to the rice fields and ensure the Khmers' fertility and prosperity.

The Robam Moni Mekhal dance has been performed for centuries as part of a solemn ceremony under the patronage of the king himself. Through offerings of fruit, meat, flowers and incense, as well as music and dance, the gods are asked for blessings. Playing out the story of the giant and the goddess by dancers in distinctive costumes creates a link between the kingdom on Earth and Heaven. The dancers are the king's messengers to the seat of the gods.

(Un)replaced Apsara

Born from the foam formed during the stirring of the Milky Ocean, the Apsara demigoddesses also play a central role in the classical Khmer dance Robam. There are several types of dance in Cambodia: so-called "pure" dance - Robam, ancient dance - Robam Moram, dance drama - Lakhon, and classical modern dance - Lakhon Kbach Boran. There seems to have been only one significant change in the Khmer dance tradition, which has been preserved for centuries: instead of demigoddesses, female graduates of the Royal University of the Arts dance on stage today.