In Siem Reap ? Sick of Pub St ? Something different tonight:

I met that dude Kosal at Cool Lounge last summer. He just came thru w/ some older white guy. It kinda thru me off a little. was he his manager? or something else? suppose could actually be a friend but who knows.

Anyway he was cool. He started rapping and some of the other guys did the same. .It was really organic. He just seemed like another guy having a drink. Not that he should be anything else .. just sharing

The word jam poets were part of a three day art-literature festival held last weekend in Siem Reap.

Literary festival in Siem Reap opening doors to enthusiasts
Post Staff | Publication date 31 October 2018 | 13:55 ICT
This weekend in Siem Reap “all scribes, poets, lovers and dreamers” are invited to attend – and lend their voices to – a pop-up literary festival featuring the renowned Cambodian poet and artist Kosal Khiev.

The three-day celebration of words and verse, beginning Thursday, features a performance by Kosal, an art exhibition, a writing workshop for prospective Cambodian poets, and an open-mic “word jam” competition.

The event was organised by Howl, a literary-minded group that describes itself as “a pop-up platform that brings writers and audiences and spaces together”.

‘Howl presents the Poets’, the weekend event’s official name, aims to fill the gap left by the cancellation of the Kampot Readers and Writers Festival and the lack of alternative literary events in the Kingdom.

Kosal, 38, earned global attention from the award-winning documentary Cambodian Son, which traces his journey from prison in the US to Cambodia.

The film’s website describes it as “the story of one man’s triumph over life’s injustices through the redemptive power of art”. Kosal will appear at a screening of Cambodia Son on Thursday at the Village Cafe in Kandal village.

“I have seen Kosal Khiev preform several times. He is an outstanding storyteller and an inspiration to those searching for a way to express themselves,” said Wayne McCallum, writer and Howl organiser.

“We feel privileged that he is coming to Siem Reap to share his work with us,” he added. “Best of all, all events are free, save for the poetry workshop.”

Support for the event has also come from Siem Reap businesses, including Bang Bang Bakery, the Hangout, the Village Cafe, Lub d, and the learning and art organisation, Writing Through. The Little Red Fox, a coffee shop and cafe, has organised an inaugural exhibition of Kosal’s artwork, which shows a new side to the poet’s story.

“With the way he expresses his view of the world through poetry, we jumped at the chance to feature his expression through canvas,” said Adam Rodwell, of the Little Red Fox.
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/post-life ... nthusiasts

Tomorrow, from HOWL in Siem Reap: