Cambodia & Culture: Siem Reap hosts adaptation of “Coming Out of My Skin”

The Phare Circus in Siem Reap is offering a free performance of “Coming Out of My Skin - ទម្លាយរបាំងស្បែក” on Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m., co-presented with the Alliance Française. This is a theatrical adaptation in Khmer of Jean-Baptiste Phou's book, translated by SO Phina. The performance will be subtitled in French and English.

This solo show follows the journey of a Chinese-Cambodian homosexual born in France, who discovers and learns to accept his identity

Coming Out of My Skin brilliantly explores the intersection of queer identity and Asian heritage by tracing the deeply personal journey of a gay Sino-Cambodian man born in France, who navigates the complexities of self-discovery and belonging. The memoir and its theatrical adaptation highlight how the protagonist confronts and reconciles the dual pressures of cultural expectations rooted in his Asian heritage and the reality of his queer identity in a Western context, underscoring the often difficult negotiation between traditional family ties and the quest for an authentic identity.

This story highlights the complex experience of living at the intersection of race, ethnicity, and sexuality, and shows how these identities shape one's sense of identity and place in the world. By focusing on the protagonist's intimate reflections and lived experiences, the work reveals the emotional and social challenges faced by queer Asians, including feelings of alienation, cultural dissonance, and the quest for acceptance within both family and society.

Intimate format

The intimate format of the solo performance further intensifies this exploration, inviting the audience to witness the vulnerability and resilience that comes with “inhabiting one's skin” as a queer Asian person, offering a nuanced and empathetic representation that resonates across diverse experiences.

The work captures the tension between the desire for individual authenticity and the weight of inherited cultural norms, illustrating how Asian heritage shapes not only identity, but also the emotional landscape of shame, acceptance, and belonging. By depicting this intersectionality, “Coming Out of My Skin” reveals the nuances with which Asian queer people must reconcile their sexual identity with a cultural heritage that does not traditionally embrace queerness. This complex representation challenges monolithic views of Asian cultures and queer experiences, offering a textured and empathetic glimpse into the complexity of living multiple identities simultaneously.

A literary discussion with author Jean-Baptiste Phou will precede the performance on Thursday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Alliance Française in Siem Reap.

Featured artists

HENG Seyhassneth: A versatile artist and actor, Seyhassneth writes and directs performances that blend poetry, theater, and song, such as “The Soul of Preah Vihear Temple” and “The Romance of the Moon Angel.”

Jean-Baptiste PHOU: Author of “Cambodge, me voici” (L'Asiathèque, 2017), “Sortir de ma peau” (Seuil, 2024) and “80 mots du Cambodge” (L'Asiathèque, 2024).