sing in the absence of music. The lyrics are in poetry form and are sung interspersed with the grammatical particles eu [əː], eung [əːŋ], and euy [əːj] in various patterns. Performance In propitiation ceremonies (បួងសួង, 'buong suong'''), Robam Moni Mekhala along other dance pieces of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia was also performed at the Silver Pagoda and Throne Hall of the Royal Palace in 1960s. Nowadays, venues for performances by the Royal Ballet include the Royal University of Fine Art, the Chenla Theatre and the Chaktomuk Conference Hall. Recently Robam Moni Mekhala was also performed in many occasions such as in the buong suong rituals in 2008 and 2019 in the Royal Palace and at the annual Bon Phum Festival. Robam Moni Mekhala along with other dance pieces were performed abroad as well. Role Robam Moni Mekhala has been enacted for centuries and perform at least once a year in a sacred ceremony known as "boung suong" accompanied by Cambodian sacred music.'' During the rituals, dancers became a messengers between king and gods asking for rain, fertility, and the blessing for Cambodia and the well-being for the people. Moral Researchers believe that this dance is centered on the independent woman who used her intelligence to resist Ream Esor, a male character. The dance also expresses the strength and fast reaction as the most demanding female role in Khmer classical dance. Cultural interpretation with nature Cambodians see this legend as the origin of thunder, lightning, and rain. The fight between Moni Mekhala and Reamesor believed to re-occur every year in mid-April around the time of Cambodian New Year. This period is at the height of the dry season just before the monsoon rains will fall and nourish the Cambodian farmland. The monsoon rains symbolizes a renewed life when the dried fields are flooded and fertilized. The dark clouds reminds the locals about the eternal battle between Reamesor and Moni Mekhala and this represent the eternal raining cycle in Cambodia. See also Manimhekala Cambodian Classical Dance Robam Sovann Machha References Cambodian dances