Inspiring Stories

Thouen grew up in rural Cambodia constantly told he was only good enough to go to the field tending to the buffalo and that's what he would do for the rest of his life.

As a man with Cerebral Palsy he often felt a lack of respect and was regularly discriminated against. Thouen found it difficult to communicate with people and developed friendships with the buffalo he looked after.

In 2015 Thouen joined our Inclusive Arts Course (IAC). He did not talk for the first six months, but due to encouragement and acceptance from fellow classmates began to communicate.

Thouen started to feel happy that people could understand him, felt cared for and enjoyed having a community around him.

Graduating from IAC in 2017 Thouen had a dream of becoming a professional dancer. He subsequently joined Epic Arts Dance and soon became the star of a new performance 'Buffalo Boy', which was inspired by his life growing up in rural Cambodia.

Buffalo Boy tells the story of Thouen as he leaves his home where he struggles to be understood and heads in search of a place where he can express himself.
A story which explores barriers in communication, articulation and what it truly means to be heard.

Thouen still performs with Epic Arts Dance and has toured around Cambodia and internationally with Buffalo Boy and other dance performances. He is an accomplished professional dancer, confident in his skills and ability and happy to be part of a team making a difference, advocating for disability and inspiring global audiences.

Events and Performances

This month Epic Arts Dance were invited to perform Buffalo Boy at Bangkok International Children's Theatre Festival (BICT Fest). It was a busy week with six performances. However, what truly left a lasting impression was the opportunity to connect with audiences after each show.

During our formal “post-show talk,” audiences engaged in discussions about the choreographic elements of the piece, its underlying story, and the arts and disability sector in Cambodia. 

The most touching moments occurred when audience members shared their personal stories, expressing how the Buffalo Boy performance had touched and inspired them. It’s heartwarming to realize that Thouen’s message of hope, confidence and acceptance resonates with people from all walks of life.

The picture above shows the team getting ready to fly from Phnom Penh to Bangkok and delighted to find an Epic Arts Dance art installment in the airport departure lounge!

And below some reviews of the performances at BITC Fest.

“Buffalo Boy” is a triumph—a beautifully executed performance that not only entertains but also educates and empowers. From the moment the curtain rose, I felt as if I was embarking on a heartfelt journey that resonated with the struggles and triumphs that parents of children with disabilities know all too well. Each movement told a story of resilience, acceptance, and the quest for belonging. The dancers, each with their unique abilities, moved with passion and determination, engaging the audience in a dialogue about acceptance. Through their art, they challenged prevalent stereotypes and showcased the beauty of communication beyond spoken words. The performers' authenticity inspired not just applause, but deep reflection about our own perceptions and biases. It invites everyone to embrace their differences and find joy in the shared human experience. It was truly powerful and inspiring. - Rosalina Alexander, President of The Rainbow Room Foundation, Thailand's first neurodiversity awareness centre.

"Sharp, deeply touching and full of strong emotion. I felt hope and love, and above all the beauty of being alive. Bravo to the team. Please keep on creating. You all are our inspiration. Thank you." - Kiao Pongpaiboon, Co-Founder, Art Connection team, Bangkok.

Inclusive Arts

Our incredible Epic Arts teachers have been busy painting the interior of a new integrated learning classroom at Trasek Koang primary school.

Epic Arts are committed to building strong relationships and partnerships with state primary schools in Kampot, advocating for inclusive education and helping make school buildings more accessible to benefit children with disabilities. 

Additionally, we encourage families to enroll their children with disabilities into these schools.

Impact Update

This month Epic Arts collaborated with JCI Chaktomuk and JCI East Java to celebrate Walk for Autism. 

Hundreds of people walked from Kampot sports stadium to the Seahorse and back to raise awareness for autism with a great deal of support from the local Kampot community who cheered them on their way! 

Students from our Special Education Program (SEP) performed a wonderful dance performance at Kampot sports stadium to the audience who had travelled from around Cambodia to Kampot for the event.

Epic Arts

Epic Arts is a UK registered charity (#1091059) and registered in Cambodia