Nath: My family and I were in various camps until coming to Canada in 1989, almost an entire decade.

Nath: Being repeatedly reminded day to day how cheap life was. When one dies in the camps, it didn't mean the same as one would die here. We have funerals. We hold gatherings. People are given time to mourn the death of loved ones. Whereas back then, it felt like another dead body was merely another burden to bury.

Nath: I've always been very musical. There are stories of my dad trying to stop me from crying (when I was just a baby) by singing to me. Eventually the neighbors would complain about his singing and would rather hear me cry instead. I remember when my uncle had to look after me; he'd just leave me to watch the dancers at the theatre and go shoot slingshots at birds. I wasn't quiet unless there was music around.

Nath: Hmm…this is going to sound funny. The world is big and the world is small. It's big, because sometimes only three miles away, you experience completely different cultures and different religious followings. The world feels small when you finally return home, and it feels like a completely different place, but everything is familiar. I'll have to detail my travel stories at another time; it'll take up the entire interview.

Nath: Well, for as long as I can remember walking, I wanted to be a dancer, but circumstances did not allow for this to happen until much later in life.

Nath: My grandfather on my mother's side is Chinese, so everything from my knees down is Chinese. Just being silly. Being a Cambodian Canadian, how do you feel about going into a profession that is often perceived as a Western, female dominated field? I'm not a typical Cambodian Canadian, I admit it. All of the projects that I have taken part in have been of great interest to me even though sometimes being considered odd choices. I have learned to accept that not everything I do will be favored by my own people.

Nath: I think that my biggest obstacle has been about age. Seriously. I didn't start dancing until I was 17. A career as a dancer didn't even seem like a possibility, so I had to work hard to catch up. By the time I developed strong technique, I was too young to be taken seriously as an independent dancer. It’s been just as much work to present my artistry, as it was to develop it.

Nath: Not all my projects are recognized by Khmer communities, but that's completely understandable. I've observed that Khmer people of my parent's generation rarely experienced performance art unless related to Cambodian dance specifically.

Nath: They do indirectly. I remember a few of the shows I have produced; my dad would buy several tickets to bring his friends in to watch. I mean, all parents want their kids to do well and may not always agree with the choices you make, but indirectly they are proud of anything we do well for ourselves.

They neglect the fact that I still actively celebrate my Cambodian heritage. Editors like to detail the fact that I came from a deprived past and decorate stories with "survival of the fittest” type embellishments. They sometimes make it out to sound as if I have left everything behind and couldn't wait to do so.

Nath: First of all, I am not a great follower of news. It really makes me sad. It started with rumors of some Thai actress stating derogatory comments about Khmer people. Then, how exactly does destroying Thai establishments in Cambodia change certain people's opinions? Well, it did. It gave me a further opinion that there are still people with wild tempers out there. Then, the honorable Hun Sen didn't make a big deal about covering the costs of all damages. What did that do? Well, increase votes to start. The whole thing seemed way too political for me to have a clear opinion.

Nath: When I started receiving invitations to perform and instruct dance outside of my hometown. It's been a continual process, really.

Nath: Yes and no. Yes, when I am amplified on a platform in a gymnasium with over 80 participants, calling out "to the left!" "to the right!” No, when I am on stage performing.

Nath: I've been considering that for the last 5 years now, which is probably why I work so much and in so many different disciplines. Anything artistic, really.

Nath: Sleep.

Nath: That's funny, I hear it from people, but I never see myself that way, nor did I ever set out to be a role model. I'm just a hard working guy with endless plans and I happen to be young. It's always a compliment when others can relate to you because of what you do.

Nath: Too many to list. Basically anyone who has gained the power of influence and do not abuse it. You, Phatry, have become one of my role models.

Nath: Um, I need to chill out more. I've been hanging around you for a few days now, Phatry, and you can probably feel the chaotic energy I seem to always be giving off. It’s become a habit. I'm so used to being "on the go" all the time that I can't seem to get comfortable kicking’ back now and again.

Nath: I'm not sure how to answer that question to be honest. I lend my support to every Cambodian organization or event when invited, and I continue to be involved in humanitarian work in Cambodia. How I believe I may be able to benefit Cambodian communities in North America, however, is by continuing to promote and bring attention to Cambodian arts and culture. Being fluently bi-lingual has certainly helped me reach out to Cambodian communities.

Nath: No tattoos. I've had both my ears and both my nipples pierced along with my nose and eyebrow. Ideal at the time, but my preferences are changed as often as my underwear. My eyebrow ring is the next to be removed.

Nath: This is going to sound drippy and sappy, but here goes anyway. I believe that my biggest accomplishment in life so far has been overcoming self-doubt. When I realized I was considered stupid not knowing English in Canada, I worked hard and got the highest grade in all my classes. When I was told I was too short at a dance audition, I returned wearing platform shoes. When production companies refused my proposals, I created my own. When I overcame self-doubt, all ideas became the first step to making it a reality.

Nath: Well, I know that whatever I decide to do, it will be in the field of performance art. Recently, I have been writing scripts and screenplays, recording music, studying and practicing massage and manual therapy as well as my dance work. I'd like to open as many doors as I can for myself in the next ten years. I mean, right now I am young and full of energy to be chasing dreams, but I won't be able to keep up with this pace forever.

Nath: I am loving it.

Nath: I stumbled upon the network about two years ago and was impressed with the coverage in all fields relating to Khmer people and culture. I see Khmer Connection as a strong voice linking Cambodians and our ideas worldwide and would like to support further advancement in any way I can.

Nath: Believe in your work as much as you believe in yourself. It’s about what you are creating, not who you are as the creator (for example, Cambodian belly dancer). Stranger things can happen. Also, get a good pair of running shoes; you have to be ready to chase after every opportunity. I will never buy into the image that I sell, because I know the work behind it all.

Nath: This will become my busiest years so far. I tour South East Asia from the end of May until early August, and I have a European Tour currently in the planning stages for the fall. The end of summer will see the release of my first full-length Cambodian album, featuring all original music. Between these projects, I will be writing and producing shows in my hometown as well as take part in many fundraising events.