An Earth Goddess (Preah Mae Thorani), a musical

You're invited to come see our shows (multiple dates).
Preah Mae Thorani (an Earth Goddess) at the southern Theater at 1420 Washington Ave. south. Minneapolis, MN 55454
Performances:
Friday, August 7th at 10PM
Sunday, August 9th at 8:30PM
Monday, August 10th at 7:00PM
Friday, August 14th at 5:30PM
Saturday, August 15th at 4:00PM
Purchase your tickets at https://minnesotafringe.org/shows/2026/an-earth-goddess-preah-mae-thorani-
Directed by Abraham Vue & Asst. Director by Kassy Skoretz.
About our show: An Earth Goddess (Preah Mae Thorani) is a musical that explores Khmer culture during the Angkorian era, where King Jayavarman VII (1181–1218) reigned with queen Jayarajadevi, Indradevi as his consort. It begins with the water festival (Bun Om Touk) where the boat race turns into a triathlon. Sumatra and Mu Mu are in the midst of action and run into a prince seeking enlightenment in the Jungle.
An Earth Goddess (Preah Mae Thorani) is an original musical that weaves mythology, poetry, and contemporary storytelling to explore themes of justice, resilience, and the sacred relationship between humans and the natural world. Inspired by the Southeast Asian earth goddess Phra Mae Thorani known in Buddhist tradition as the divine witness who emerges from the earth to defend truth, the musical centers on the enduring power of the land and the voices that rise to protect it. Through music, spoken word, and theatrical storytelling, the work connects ancient spiritual imagery with modern struggles around identity, memory, and belonging.
The narrative draws on the myth in which Preah Mae Thorani wrings water from her hair to wash away the forces that threaten truth and balance. In this musical adaptation, the goddess becomes both a symbolic and dramatic presence, guiding characters who are navigating moments of moral conflict and transformation. The story follows individuals confronting personal and collective challenges, questions of displacement, environmental stewardship, and the search for inner strength. As their stories unfold, the earth itself becomes an active witness, reminding the characters that their actions are rooted in a larger cycle of accountability and renewal.
Musically, the project blends contemporary musical theater with Southeast Asian sonic influences to create a sound world that is both intimate and expansive. The instrumental forces are designed for a flexible chamber ensemble consisting of piano or keyboard, acoustic guitar, bass, and percussion. The piano provides the primary harmonic structure and supports the vocal melodies, while the guitar contributes warmth and rhythmic texture. Percussion plays a central role, incorporating hand drums, chimes, and other resonant instruments to evoke the elemental presence of water and earth. Additional optional instruments such as bamboo flutes or bell-like textures may be incorporated to reflect traditional Southeast Asian tonal colors and atmospheric soundscapes.
Vocally, the musical is driven by a small cast of singer-actors who move between solos, duets, and ensemble numbers. Songs are interwoven with moments of spoken word and poetic narration, allowing language to function as both storytelling and ritual. These poetic passages echo the voice of the earth goddess herself, grounding the narrative in reflection and spiritual resonance.
The estimated duration of An Earth Goddess (Preah Mae Thorani) is approximately 40 to 50 minutes. The production is envisioned as an intimate yet visually evocative piece that can be staged in theater spaces, cultural centers, and festival venues. Through its fusion of mythology, music, and contemporary storytelling, the musical invites audiences to reflect on their relationship to the earth and to one another. Ultimately, the work honors the enduring belief that the land remembers, witnesses, and holds the power to restore balance when truth is called forth.
About the playwright: Narate Keys is a Khmer poet and playwright from Saint Paul, Minnesota. She is the self-published author of a collection of songs and poetry The Good Life, poetry
book The Changes... Immigration Footprints of Our Journey, and co-author of Planting SEADs. Keys writes to express the true meaning of her voice. It is through poetry that Keys have found love, appreciation, and encouragement. Keys has performed her poems in Washington D.C., Minnesota’s The Loft Literary, Springboard For The Arts, Minneapolis Arts Institute, The Landmark Center and Saint Cloud State University, Dragon Boat Festival, MayDay Festival, Feature artist for MN8’s fundraising, Union Depot for MN Humanities Center and
amongst others. Keys was selected as a storytelling recipient through Twin Cities Media Alliance (TCMA). Lastly, Keys' painting called The Sun’s Reflector was featured in the Saint Paul Almanac. Keys is a recipient from Minnesota State Arts Board and Metropolitan Regional Arts Council for her musical, Apsara. In August 2025, I produced and co-directed Apsara, the Musical and it was showcased at the Rarig Theatre in collaboration with MN Fringe Festival.She is currently collaborating with MN Fringe Festival for the second year in roll to produce a musical called, Preah Mae Thorani (an Earth Goddess).
Questions: Contact Narate at 763-607-2752 or email to [email protected]
We hope to see you at the theater!