The Princess Buppha Devi Dance School presents “The Coronation of Jayavarman VII” on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 September 2026, at 7 p.m., on the outdoor stage of the Institut français du Cambodge. Created for the Golden (R)Age festival in June, the ballet retells the future king’s victory over the Cham, blending Khmer classical dance, lakhaon khaol and bokator.

She met Princess Buppha Devi when she was very young and danced with her until the war separated them. In 1993, Pen Sokhoun was reunited with the Princess and the few survivors of Pol Pot's bloody regime. Together, they worked tirelessly to revive the ballet, restoring its grandeur and splendour throughout the world.

In a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, the Royal Ballet of Cambodia returns to France, marking its first performance in the country