Cambodian Rock Band

by Lauren Yee

Part comedy, part mystery, part rock concert, this thrilling story toggles back and forth in time, as father and daughter face the music of the past. Neary, a young Cambodian American has found evidence that could finally put away the Khmer Rouge’s chief henchman. But her work is far from done. When Dad shows up unannounced—his first return to Cambodia since fleeing 30 years ago—it’s clear this isn’t just a...

Part comedy, part mystery, part rock concert, this thrilling story toggles back and forth in time, as father and daughter face the music of the past. Neary, a young Cambodian American has found evidence that could finally put away the Khmer Rouge’s chief henchman. But her work is far from done. When Dad shows up unannounced—his first return to Cambodia since fleeing 30 years ago—it’s clear this isn’t just a pleasure trip.

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Cambodian Rock Band

Recommended by

  • Anna Tatelman: Cambodian Rock Band by Lauren Yee
    “

    I saw this last fall and it remains one of the best pieces I've seen this season. The past and present narratives intertangled in a beautiful, heartbreaking, and, ultimately, surprisingly hopeful way. The music not only established the tone of the piece, but helped display the strong connections, and eventual disconnections, between these humans caught up in forces beyond their control. And the dark humor was so sharp yet uncomfortable, inviting the audience into the narrative while highlighting our complicity in listening to this story. Amazing, amazing piece.

    I saw this last fall and it remains one of the best pieces I've seen this season. The past and present narratives intertangled in a beautiful, heartbreaking, and, ultimately, surprisingly hopeful way. The music not only established the tone of the piece, but helped display the strong connections, and eventual disconnections, between these humans caught up in forces beyond their control. And the dark humor was so sharp yet uncomfortable, inviting the audience into the narrative while highlighting our complicity in listening to this story. Amazing, amazing piece.

    ”
  • Ian Thal: Cambodian Rock Band by Lauren Yee
    “

    Yee's "Cambodian Rock Band" celebrates both the musicians that the Khmer Rouge murdered and the music that survived, communicating in a way that statistics and archives don't always do the vibrant and visceral popular culture that was killed in the first genocide of the rock'n'roll era.

    Yee's "Cambodian Rock Band" celebrates both the musicians that the Khmer Rouge murdered and the music that survived, communicating in a way that statistics and archives don't always do the vibrant and visceral popular culture that was killed in the first genocide of the rock'n'roll era.

    ”
  • Chima Chikazunga: Cambodian Rock Band by Lauren Yee
    “

    Almost 2 years after I saw this piece, pre-pandemic, and I’m still raving about this amazing and powerful play. Yee takes us on a journey through music as a child gets a rare opportunity to connect with their family’s history. I’ve never seen such bold writing leap off the page and keep me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. There isn’t just one word to describe this piece. If you get a chance to read or see it, you’re definitely in for a treat

    Almost 2 years after I saw this piece, pre-pandemic, and I’m still raving about this amazing and powerful play. Yee takes us on a journey through music as a child gets a rare opportunity to connect with their family’s history. I’ve never seen such bold writing leap off the page and keep me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. There isn’t just one word to describe this piece. If you get a chance to read or see it, you’re definitely in for a treat

    ”
View all 16 recommendations