Yike

The Yike (pronounced|ˈjiːkeː) is a form of Khmer traditional theatre that have deep connections to Cambodian culture. It is based on singing and dancing, which gained it immense widespread popularity in Cambodia. The Yike performed in nearly every province of Cambodia, and by the Khmer Krom communities in southern Vietnam. The Khmer Krom have two terms for it, the Yike as the rest of Khmer communities, and the Yuke which is used to refer to the dance theatre also known as Lakhon Bassac. There is a Thai form of Yike, called the Likay

History and origins

The origins of Yike is debated by scholars. Many believe it to originated in Java and brought to Cambodia via the Chams, but others believe it to originate in Malaya. It is also believed to originated from influx of Khmer and Cham forms of theatre. However, regardless of where it originated, the Yike is deeply rooted in Cambodian culture and its popularity has made it easily recognizable by Khmers anywhere.

Influences

Due to the relationship between Cham and Khmer empires in ancient time, the Yike was heavily influence by Cham culture. The two kingdoms often fought between each other, thus influences from the Chams on Yike drama was likely the result of such. Influence on the Yike came not only from the results of war, where the weaker kingdom adopted influence from the latter more powerful kingdom but also from intermarriages between Chams and Khmers creating a hybrid of their two cultures. The Yike drum, used in the drama, originated from a sacred religious object used by the Chams. It was originally used for spiritual dance offerings in Brahmanism and wedding ceremonies, but the Chams who worshiped Islam turned it into a religious object. The Khmers soon came to replicated the drums and incorporated it into the Yike, turning it into a theatrical performance. Since the rise of popularity, the Yike has developed into a traditionally genuine Khmer art form having relatively little in common with the original Cham form.

Performances

Yike performances are often of various Jatakas or tales of Buddha's life. It is performed in a circle so viewers could see it from every angle. The performances gained popularity with Cambodian farmers, thus it have changed over time into a theatrical art form to promote the teachings of Buddhism and Brahmanism. In time, the Yike have become a way to represent the issues faced by Khmers in their daily lives to seek solutions by posing questions and answer.

References

*http://iktt.esprit-libre.org/en/2004/09/abstract_part_1_the_khmers_and.html
*http://www.camnet.com.kh/cambodia.daily/selected_features/cd-26-02-05.htm

ee also

*Culture of Cambodia
*Dance of Cambodia
*Cham People
*Dance of Thailand