| Description |
"Trud" Dance is originated in rural communities and is now only found in Siem Reap and some villages of Battambang adjacent to Siem Reap. "Trud" in Sanskrit means “The act of cutting, detachment) The locals play this dance only during the Khmer New Year, in the sense of cutting off the old year to move on to the new year, as well as expelling evil spirits in order to get good fortune. However, during the dry season, this dance is also performed to pray for rainfall. In addition, the importance of playing this dance is to raise funds to build and repair communal infrastructures in the community, especially in the pagoda, which is not for personal gain.
This dance can be joined by more or fewer dancers according to the preferences of the village or the number of volunteers. The equipment also depends on the number of dancers. The equipment is also doubled as the props and accompaniment to the dance. The complete Trud Dance can consist of instruments such as: Kanh Chhe (bamboo mast with bells on top), Changkrang Dombe, ChangKrang Rong, Sko Arak (hand drum), Bei Pok (flute), Tro Ou, Tro Sor (bowed strings) and Dang Santuch or Dang Doy (pulling bar of an ox cart) attached with an open bag for retrieving the donations.
The main accessories for the Trud Dance are clown masks and crowns made of paper mache and lacquer, real deer and banteng antlers or artificial antlers made of paper mache, peacock feathers,s and fake long nails made of rattan. When performing, there are two or three priests leading the group and holding a fundraising bowl, and giving blessings to those who Donate. If it is played in rain asking ritual, the priest who leads the ceremony is called “Dangkhao”.
The lyrics are not the same, it depends on the preference of the group or the village because some lyrics can be created immediately according to the actual situation in order to convince the donor to give more donations. But the interesting thing is that most of the "songs" contain 4 syllables in each line. 6 The following are some excerpts from the lyrics in the document of Samdech Preah Vanroth Iv Tuot, Chief of Monk from Battambang Province:
Lyrics on arrival at the ceremonial ground
I arrive outside your gate,
calling out to you.
My respected master
Can I come inside?
(Vocalizing) oh na neang na
Can I come inside?
Permit or not,
Please let us know.
We can come in or not,
Please quickly tell us.
(Vocalizing) oh na neang na
Please quickly tell us.
Fellow team!
Fellow team!
That the fire is lit
Means that we are welcomed.
(Vocalizing) oh na neang na
Means that we are welcomed.
Lyrics when asking for alms
This Trud is not from here.
This Trud is not from here.
The master ordered us
That we came here to play.
(Vocalizing) oh na neang na
That we came here to play.
Big house with sculptures
Stair steps made of silver
Suiting his wealth
(Vocalizing) oh na neang na sa ra mom bong.
Lyrics when collecting the scattered alms
Some hide, some throw,
Some scoop up,
Don’t talk, lads!
Catch the money quietly
(Vocalizing) Yeur chhai nao nao neang nan a na oun euy.
Lyrics to bless the givers
Fellow team!
His silk and thread
He gave us all
We shall bless him.
To have a son
She weaves silk to bless regularly
Officials
He gave us all
To get a mouthful for a daughter
Soup for money.
We bless him. Children as well. Sculpture land.
Before performing, people prepare an offering for Lord Vishvakarman and the spirits of the land and nature. Then the priest ties holy thread to the wrists of the dancers and puts on the masks and horns for the performers.
Mr. Pol Sam Oeun researched this dance in Battambang province and choreographed it as a performance on stage and performed for the first time by Mr. Meas Kok, who was the first singer to hold the Dang Santuch, and the following performers: Mr. Ros Lon, Mr. Meas Sam El, Ms. Mom Hoy, Mrs. Sieng Sivhun, Mrs. Kaing Steng, Mrs. Ok Leung, Mr. Hing Tim, Mr. Moeung Chandara, Mr. Kong Samith, Mr. Pen Lon, Mr. Put Lon, Mr. Suon Sareth, Mr. Eam Sean, Mr. Pen Yet.
The dance ceased to be performed in 1975 and resumed in December 1979. Today, Trud Dance is very popular because during the period before the New Year. It is performed in government institutions, companies, or private houses to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity.
|
