I seriously don't even know how to begin this post. So much has happened since I posted a blog about fundraising for the play I was directing at Anjali. Well let's see: the play was fabulous and the kids did such an amazing job. More importantly, the kids had the time of their lives. I'll never forget seeing their smiles and hearing their giggles as they dashed from on stage to back stage. During the whole process of rehearsals and getting everything prepared, I didn't really have the time to stop and discuss how the kids felt about acting on a stage. It was go, go, go as I would spend my days either running lines with the kids, writing up the play's program as well as chasing down any student who had yet to give me their bio, organising items for the set, making sure each student had their wardrobe. It wasn't until after the curtain call and seeing the smiles on the kids' faces and the countless hugs and presents I got that I realized how much the kids loved putting on the show and how much they appreciated what we had accomplished. As I gave each kid a hug telling them what a wonderful job they did, they would get shy and look away but their big smiles just gave away the enormous pride they felt and all that effort I put in made it all worth it. There were tears and laughter and loads of hugs as I said good-bye to my kids and to my time at Anjali and even now, five weeks later as I sit in a zen-like cafe in Bali, I still miss them and think about them often. An unforgettable experience that captured my heart. It's only a matter of time when I head back to Siem Reap and Anjali.
Pech, Me and Vireck poking his head in from behind
Lead actor Pheaktra - so proud of him. I was told by a long time volunteer Pheaktra wouldn't even look at people in the eye just two years ago- He blew the audience away!
Chanroat, leading lady, Malin (the best stage manager ever!) and Vireak - a dedicated actor
The adorable Chy who's a natural at acting
The boys enjoying dinner at our after party
Sreylin - my partner in crime
The kiddies enjoying the wrap party meal
Telling the kids how proud I am of them
The kids practicing a scene
Doing the dance with Pheaktra (the video flips upright half way through)
aw - so sweet. Brings tears to my eyes. I know you did an amazing job and put your whole heart into putting that play together. Good job and proud of you!
ReplyDeleteAw Puj, that's so sweet. The kids are lucky to have had you as their teacher. Well done to you, what a huge difference you've made in their lives.
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