The Elizabethan Era (1558 - 1603 and beyond) was a productive age for English literature, & poetry in particular. During this period, composing poetry was part of people's education.  Books of poetry by various writers appeared.

The dramatist Shakespeare was also a prolific poet, and he developed what became known as the Shakespearean Sonnet.  Furthermore, poems which were intended to be set to music as accompanied songs, also became popular.
The role of women in society was relatively free of constraint.  Female poets were self-confident, and published works based on such social issues as sexuality & gender.

Shakespeare's Sonnets are rich in wordplay, which makes their translation rather challenging.  We are grateful, therefore, to Dr. Samnag Sam (Berlin) for his translation into Khmer of Sonnets 18, 30, & 138.  As a contribution to the people of Cambodia, we are delighted to present these masterpieces as a World Première during this year's Music Festival.

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