Elizabeth here: Today we visited the S21 Prison in Cambodia. When we got there, we all received audio players that would play English descriptions of the places we visited. The first thing we saw when we walked in were 14 white gravestones dedicated to the 14 people last seen in the prison. Afterwards, we visited building A which was where the interrogations and tortured happened. In every room, there was a metal bed and ankle shackles. There were also pictures of some of the deceased that were found when the prison was discovered. These photos allowed all of us to dive deeper into our learning and attempt to fully grasp the consequences of that place. The buildings were originally part of a school and in seeing classrooms made into cells, everyone felt something inside. Next, we visited building B where the main holding cells were located. The first floor held smaller brick cells where one to two people were held at a time. In between classrooms which held multiple cells, walls were punched through in order to provide a clearer view of all of the cells at once. The second floor held metal cells, and the last floor had the mass containment cells. Later, after we had made our way outside, we saw a huge wooden frame which was used to hang prisoners for torture. One of the survivors of the prison is an artist who has made paintings of these torture methods which can be seen in the museum. Finally, we were taken to the last building: building C. It was in this building that we saw photographs taken of the prisoners. both alive and dead. Additionally, we also saw some of the torture devices used on the prisoners and the way in which they were used. Finally, we saw the skulls and bones of some of the deceased. Reflecting on this experience, we must all learn about these tragedies. It is only through education and perseverance through these hardships that we can move forward and prevent these atrocities happening anymore. However, there is one other lesson that we may learn from this prison. Hope shall always prevail. We especially saw this in a song performed with traditional Cambodian instruments that is composed by Dr. Him Sophy. 

Maddie here: After our visit to S21 Prison, our group had the opportunity to visit a screening of Dr. Him Sophy's rock opera, titled, Where the Elephants Weep. The plot primarily centered around the unexpected and rebellious romance of a refugee turned monk named Sam and a famous Cambodian singer named Bopha, as Bopha's brother, Khan, attempts to split the two in hopes of marrying Bopha to a business partner that would elevate her status and fame as a performer. I was especially enthralled by the cohesive combination of English intertwined with Khmer, as well as the blend of Western and traditional Cambodian music throughout the piece. The influence of both cultures was evident through the usage of both traditional and modern instruments. Amazed at the fact that a project with so many diverse influences could be so seamlessly balanced, I think the opera has been one of my highlights of our trip so far. With the usage of two contrasting music styles to appeal to more diverse audience, the opera seamlessly blended together to create a brilliantly evocative piece. I also had a hunch that the music had been influenced by one of my favorite composers, Jonathan Larson, and Dr. Sophy confirmed my hunch after the screening! I approached Dr. Sophy post-opera to express my appreciation and admiration for his work, particularly as someone who is currently studying opera and performs frequently. I remembered Arn Chorn Pond playing his flute in Garland last October during his GIP presentation at Poly, and how excitedly I had anticipated learning more while here. Dr. Sophy's opera, along with our musical experiences yesterday, truly reminded me of music's capabilities to both unite and heal. This was made apparent yesterday at the local Cambodian high school as well, were I noted that the American music we shared with the hundreds of students transcended other communication barriers. Language gaps were visible when we first arrived at the school but eroded as we bopped and clapped together to familiar beats and rhythms. I was honored to have the opportunity to share some refrains of Disney's "Almost There" with the students as well.

When chatting with Dr. Sophy, I asked him about the healing capacity of music, to which he responded by emphasizing the power of music to "catch" an audience (as he put it) and the importance of humility and compassion while both composing and performing. What an honor to have had the opportunity to view his creation and converse with him afterwards, and I look forward to learning more about both the impact and capabilities of the performing and musical arts on Cambodia in the coming days!