The Role of Music in Southern Khmer Du Ke Opera as a Link between Cultural Heritage and Community Life

Abstract

Music occupies a central role in the Du Ke (Lakhon Bassak) theater of the Southern Khmer, serving simultaneously as the structural foundation of the performance, the emotional guide, the support for acting, and the affirmation of cultural identity. Through its rich repertoire of melodies, rhythms, and traditional instruments, music has become the very soul of the stage, creating a cultural space that is both solemn and intimate.
Beyond its artistic value, Du Ke music reflects layers of history, belief, and philosophy of life, thereby functioning as a “bridge” that connects heritage with community life. The active participation of the community—from maintaining troupes and transmitting knowledge to innovating and integrating Du Ke into cultural practices—remains the decisive factor ensuring the survival and development of this heritage.
This paper emphasizes that music is the convergence point between heritage and community, securing the enduring vitality of Du Ke theater in the context of contemporary integration.