“The Coronation of Jayavarman VII”: a Khmer ballet at the French Institute in Cambodia
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.
A creation inspired by the carvings of Angkor Thom
The choreography draws on the sculptures and bas-reliefs of the Bayon, at the heart of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. It builds on a visual imagination rooted in Angkorian art. Prince Sisowath Tesso conceived this new work with the help of his teacher, Duk Sytha. The ballet was first shown as a preview at the Golden (R)Age festival, in June 2026.
The production is directed by Prince Sisowath Tesso. Duk Sytha leads the teaching. Sorn Visal handles the technical side.
Jayavarman VII and the defeat of the kingdom of Champa
On stage, the story unfolds in 1178. The man who would become one of Cambodia’s most celebrated kings raises an army to push back the Cham and drive them from Khmer territory. At his side stands Princess Indra Devi. Facing them are the king of Champa and his troops. The confrontation ends with the Cham ruler’s defeat. That victory opens the path to the throne for the young prince, who will reign under the name Jayavarman VII.
In the historical record, the Cham sacked Angkor in 1177. Several years of fighting followed before Jayavarman VII was crowned, in 1181. Historians regard him as the most powerful of the Angkorian kings.
A Mahayana Buddhist, he built the Bayon with its towers of faces. He laid out roads, rest houses and hospitals across the empire. His downcast-eyed bust remains one of the treasures of the National Museum in Phnom Penh.
Khmer classical dance, lakhaon khaol and bokator
The performance brings together three forms. Khmer classical dance, codified and often close to the sacred. Lakhaon khaol, masked dance-theatre. And bokator, Cambodia’s traditional martial art. The movements, costumes and staging draw on the figures carved into the Angkorian bas-reliefs, notably those of the Bayon. The show sets out to bring back to life the political, military and cultural world of the 12th century.
All three traditions are recognised by UNESCO. The Royal Ballet of Cambodia was proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003, then incorporated into the Representative List in 2008. The lakhaon khaol of Wat Svay Andet has been on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding since 2018. Kun lbokator was inscribed in 2022.
The legacy of Princess Buppha Devi
The ballet is staged by the Princess Buppha Devi Dance School. This non-profit, founded in Phnom Penh by Prince Sisowath Tesso, carries on the work of Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (1943-2019).
The eldest daughter of King Norodom Sihanouk and half-sister of King Norodom Sihamoni, Buppha Devi became prima ballerina of the Royal Ballet at eighteen and served as Minister of Culture and Fine Arts from 1998 to 2004. She is largely credited with the revival of classical dance after the Khmer Rouge regime, which had wiped out much of the country’s artistic community. It was also under her leadership that the Royal Ballet gained UNESCO recognition. The school, based at Aquation on Koh Pich island, offers free classes and welcomes students from every background.
Practical information
“The Coronation of Jayavarman VII” at the Institut français du Cambodge:
• Dates : Thursday 24 and Friday 25 September 2026
• Time : 7 p.m.
• Venue : outdoor stage of the Institut français du Cambodge
• Full price : 10 dollars
• Students and under-18s : 5 dollars, on presentation of valid proof
• Booking : on the event page; those without an account on the site must create one before buying a ticket
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