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Ayai Folk Theater: A Flirtatious Battle of Words and Wits

2021; University of Hawaii Press; Volume: 34; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1353/man.2021.0076

1527-943X

Christophe Macquet, Sharon May,

Cambodian History and Society

Ayai Folk TheaterA Flirtatious Battle of Words and Wits Translated from Khmer by Christophe Macquet and Sharon May Editors' Note Ayai chhlaoey chhlang is a traditional Cambodian form of improvised musical folk theatre, typically performed by a man and a woman. The two singers stand near the front of the stage, while the musicians play in the back. Ayai combines the art of poetic storytelling with jokes, legends, politics, and history—all done in very clever, rhyming wordplay, often improvised and layered in meanings. As the content is often bawdy and politically charged, the two performers may also play the role of jesters speaking truth to society under a veil of hilarious and sharptongued flirtation. Similar to contemporary rap battles, the two singers alternate in a duet—or duel—of words and wit. The name of the male character, smien (translated here as "clerk") is the title of a low-ranked civil servant who, because he knows how to write, puts on great airs. His character is boastful, flirtatious, and pompous. His role is to make the audience laugh and sometimes to deliver a more profound message. The comic Khmer actors in ayai and bassac plays and movies are often called smien (clerk) or neay (chief), followed by their nickname. Except for interludes of spoken dialog, the improvised, poetic verses are sung. Most ayai performances, especially those of the more risqué variety, like this one, are never written down. This excerpt, transcribed by Christophe Macquet, comes from the National Festival of Ayai, Chapei, and Sadiev, performed in Phnom Penh on the esplanade of Veal Men, next to the Royal Palace, in 2003. To our knowledge, this is the first time the ephemeral art form has been translated and published in a Western language. [End Page 292] preamble Ayai music plays. man [alone onstage, hands together in supplication] Praise be our King Father, our Queen Mother, and their royal family. Praise be the three eminent Samdechs: Samdech Chea Sim, our President of the Senate; Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranariddh our President of the National Assembly and Samdech Hun Sen, our Prime Minister. Praise be all the Excellencies present here; praised be your zeal to revive the Khmer Arts after the genocide; praise be your efforts to help the poor singers of ayai. the battle begins The man invites his female partner to join him onstage. man Alright, that's enough praise for now. Who will be my lovely partner? A madam or a miss? Or a young virgin? I have my doubts … If she's not, that's just fine. It's the cold season, and you have to keep warm somehow. Any woman is perfect for me! So a woman, yes, but which kind? A lady with a child? I'll take her. She's still good for planting. A lady with two children? I'll take her too. She's just as nice as a young virgin. But a widow? I don't know…is that a good idea? woman I'm coming, I'm coming, don't be so impatient. Here I am! I'm ready. Ready for anything. Exactly what little game would you like to play? Go ahead, my dear, tell us what you have in mind… Come on, or can't you decide? I asked you a question, and I'm waiting for your answer. [End Page 293] Come on, handsome, tell us what game you want to play. An elephant shows off its tusks; a tree, its fruits. In this Khmer country, when we want to sing, we do it. So what do you say, my friend, are you ready? What kind of game do you want to play? I am open to all proposals. man Open, my dear? How open? Open wide? Half open? Open to what exactly? Open where? woman Yi! Watch your words, little clerk! Don't talk nonsense! man Open, you say? As in an open-door invitation? woman Yi! Watch your language! I'm open, but only to discussion. man I just hope you're wide open because I don't want to hit my head on the way in. woman Yi! Careful with your words, little clerk...