In the past, I dared not to go against the Khmer Rouge regime. This is why I like ‘The Courageous Turtle’ play. I want to be brave like the main character. I want the younger generations to stand up and not let the Khmer Rouge regime return the second time. – MARN YOUSOS

LESSONS FROM THE PAST
ECCC Civil Parties address Cambodia’s youth
Cambodia   www.meta-house.com

For over a quarter of a century, Cambodians have waited for justice. The Khmer Rouge Tribunal at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) aims to provide justice for those who died and those who survived. But the trials are also for the new generation – to educate Cambodia’s youth about the darkest chapter in Cambodian history.

Since 2015, Phnom Penh-based arts center Meta House and its umbrella organization the Cambodian-German Cultural Association (KDKG) have conducted the community theatre project “The Courageous Turtle” with the Ministry of Youth, Education and Sport (MoEYS). For the first time, theatre is being used as an educational tool in Cambodian classrooms to enhance students’ knowledge of the Pol Pot era.

So far, more than 10,000 youths have participated in events, which also entail intergenerational dialogues with ECCC Civil Parties. Civil Parties at the ECCC are those persons who have suffered harm, directly or indirectly, from the crimes investigated by the court and who have requested participation in the criminal proceedings.

The on-going photo project “Lessons from the Past” captures the voices of Civil Parties, who have attended the theatre performances. Swedish photographer Anders Jiras and the Meta House team want to find out what these survivors think of the theatre play and what are their messages to the youth of today. Special emphasis is given to the concept of civil courage, which means standing up for equality, inclusion, human rights, justice and being able to take action against any violation of them.

“The Courageous Turtle” project is made possible through funding from the European Union and the German Institute for Foreign Relations. Partnering NGOs are the Khmer Arts Action and Youth for Peace. Additional support comes from our corporate sponsors “Smart” and “Freshy”.

The project has been proposed to the Khmer Rouge Trial as a Judicial Reparation project and is currently listed under the ”Guarantee of Non-repetition” proposed list, in co-operation with the Victims Support Section and the Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyers of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.

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Exhibition Venue: Festival Zone
Exhibition Dates: 3 December 2016  – 15 January 2017

Venue Sponsor	Supported By	Print Lab Partner