Born in Phnom Penh, 22-year-old playwright Samithi Sok finds himself in the midst of an arts scene struggling to gain momentum and respect. His stage debut took place in an 8th grade performance of Mulan, when he fell in love with theater and the unique interaction that takes place between the audience and the performers during a live show. He credits his supportive parents along with ISPP drama teacher Elizabeth Hodge for his pursuit of a creative career, which flies in the face of Cambodian societal expectations. “The arts are still perceived as this fringe thing. It’s not something parents are encouraging their kids to pursue.” Samithi was lucky to have received support and encouragement from his teachers and his family. He remarked on the privilege of having parents who support his artistic endeavors and said, “That I was not just allowed to, but encouraged to pursue theater when I went to study abroad makes me feel very grateful for them.”
Wind Up Mice
