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Chanrithy Him
Child Survivor, International Speaker, Social Justice Activist, Author & Khmer Classical Dancer.
Winner of the Oregon Book Award
Finalist for the Kiriyama Pacific Rim Book Prize
Finalist for the Pen USA West Literary Award
Welcome to my website!
As a passionate storyteller and international speaker, I delight in engaging with my audiences. My approach blends insightful narratives with a touch of good-natured humor, particularly during interactive Q&A sessions.
I'm thrilled to have you here and look forward to sharing my experiences and stories with you.
HONORS
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When Broken Glass Floats: A Journey Through History on Stage
I'm thrilled to announce the adaptation of When Broken Glass Floats into a poignant one-act play, FOUR CHILDREN. This play is a tapestry of resilience, intertwining diary excerpts from diverse voices: Dawid Sierakowiak of Poland, Nadja Halilbegovich's wartime Sarajevo diary, and Vahram Dadrian's reflections from Armenia.
The world premiere captivated audiences from October 7-24, 2021, at the Kansas City Actors Theatre. This performance was a reverent tribute to the international exhibit "Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away." held at the historic Union Station in Kansas City.
Excitingly, FOUR CHILDREN is now available for global licensing, offering theater companies worldwide the opportunity to share these powerful stories of hope and endurance. Join us in keeping history alive on stage
THE KANSAS CITY CAST OF FOUR CHILDREN
Vi Tran as Armenian Vahraim Dadrian
Victor Raider-Wexler as Dawid Sierakowiak
REVIEWS FOR FOUR CHILDREN
"Elegant, intricately woven script that highlights the dazzling cruelty of war even as its staging keeps us at an emotional remove...The brisk pacing of “Four Children” feels right for its structure: together, Rensenhouse and Edelman emphasize the dizzying speed at which lives, nations, and our higher ideals can fall apart..."Four Children” reminds us that brutality is a legacy we have yet to outrun." ―Liz Cook, KC Studio Magazine
"Unforgettable true life narrative... This particular ensemble of actors is exceptionally strong with a special nod to Victor Raider-Wexler. We are fortunate to have this entire group....'The play is especially important for young people to see and hear. It is their former peers-the ones who wrote these diaries-whose stories must never be forgotten.'"
―Alan Portner, Broadway World Review
FOUR CHILDREN: A Full Circle Moment with the Voice of America
Kansas City, Here I Come...
On October 15, 2021, in Kansas City, I witnessed the power of memory and justice intertwining in the play FOUR CHILDREN, resonating with my own past chronicled in When Broken Glass Floats. Kathleen Warfel's portrayal vividly brought back a scene from my childhood in Year Piar village, May 1975 – a time when the Voice of America was our only glimmer of hope in the darkness.
The broadcast still echoes in my mind, "This is the Voice of America from Washington. The following broadcast is in Khmer," followed by the haunting melody of "YANKEE DOODLE." The Khmer broadcaster announced, "This is Washington, the radio of the Voice of America. I am Chen Khen. Ladies and gentlemen, please listen to the events that have taken place in Cambodia—"
This poignant moment took a harrowing turn when a Khmer Rouge informant overheard us, leading to my father and uncles' tragic fate.
Years later, the circle completed as the VOA interviewed me about this very play. This moment of storytelling brought a profound sense of closure and justice, empowering the voice of the once-silent little girl in me. Through this journey, I've come to realize the immense power of voice and memory in confronting and healing from past atrocities.
2021 International Women's Day & Women's History Month - A Celebration with the International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies, Toronto, Canada
Check out the latest video from Studio B (Bedroom Edition) – a cool, candid peek into which institutions and classes are diving into my memoir, all filmed with my trusty cellphone camera!
Capturing the Spirit of 2008 International Women's Day: My heartwarming performance of the Khmer 'Blessing Dance' at Rock Creek PCC, Portland, followed by an inspiring talk on 'When Broken Glass Floats.' A vibrant celebration with an amazing community of students and professors!
Photo by Charles King
Dan Prinzing, Executive Director
“Ms. Him,
The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights in Boise is the builder and home of the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial . The Memorial is a world-class education park visited by over 120,000 annually....
The Center developed an international outreach program in which we distribute bicycles and backpacks to village school children in Cambodia. Last week we distributed 200 bicycles in remote schools three hours out of Battambang.
The people of Cambodia are near and dear to our work, adding your story in the Memorial will enable us to bring a powerful Cambodian voice to Boise.”
―Dan Prinzing, Executive Director of the Wassmuth Center
Dave, Engineer
The audio box at the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial where visitors from all other world can listen to my life story and stories from other genocide survivors from Rwanda, Armenia and Bosnia by pressing a button. Press the play button below to listen to my story.
Resilience and Remembrance: A Personal Journey through Recording History for the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
Facing the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial's invitation was a challenge amidst my battle with PTSD, but my commitment to human rights prevailed. Despite the risks to my mental health, I embraced the task with a resilient "Yes."
On May 4, 2018, as I accompanied Dan Prinzing to the studio to record my life story representing the Cambodian genocide, I was inwardly crumbling. My resolve pushed me to the brink, and physically, I was a picture of distress, trembling while focusing on delivering a 2-minute narrative that echoed the heart-wrenching loss of my family and the agony of my childhood.
In that moment of profound struggle, my mind, body and soul resisted. I found myself in a pivotal conversation with Dave, the engineer, and Dan Prinzing, revealing the depths of my turmoil. This experience marked a significant turning point in my life. It illuminated the necessity of introspection and healing - to mend the wounds of the 'little girls' within me and to release the weight of the world I had been shouldering.
This endeavor wasn't just for me. It was a tribute to Anne Frank, a voice for those silenced in history, and a gesture of solidarity with humanity. It was a testament to the memories of my family, cruelly taken from me, and a stand for those who no longer could. ~CH
Echoes of the Past: My Story Featured in the Holocaust Memorial Day 2017 UK Commemorative Ceremony
On January 27, 2017, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust honored me by highlighting my life story alongside that of Elie Wiesel, the esteemed Holocaust survivor and 1986 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, as part of the Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) commemorations.
Holocaust Memorial Day is a poignant reminder for all to remember the millions lost in the Holocaust, Nazi persecution, and the subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur. This day, which marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp, serves as a solemn memorial to these tragic events.
The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2017 was 'How can life go on?' This theme prompts reflection on the aftermath of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides, posing challenging questions for individuals, communities, and nations. HMD 2017 asked us all to consider our responsibilities in the wake of such crimes, encouraging a thoughtful engagement with our collective past and the steps we must take towards healing and prevention.
Nobel Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel
The Will To Live, Part I
Under the direction of Anne Gyrithe Bonne, the filming of Archbishop Desmond Tutu commenced just three days following the crew's arrival in South Africa on September 11, 2001. The project later extended to Honduras, where Bonne continued her documentary work....
The Will To Live
Featured alongside Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Honduran human rights champion Dr. Juan Almendares in the Danish documentary, The Will to Live, Author and Social Justice Activist Chanrithy Him illuminates a journey of resilience and bravery. Directed by Anne Gyrithe Bonne, this film made its world debut in Copenhagen. Post-premiere, Chanrithy joined an esteemed panel including Mr. Morten Kjærum, Director of the Danish Center for Human Rights, and Commissioner Helle Degn of the Baltic Council, further highlighting the film's impact and global relevance.
The Will To Live, Part II
...Ms. Bonne filmed the life of human rights defender and medical doctor Juan Almendares of Honduras. Later, she concluded her filming in America . . .
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Director Anne Gyrithe Bonne
The Will To Live, Part III
...She followed Chanrithy Him from Eugene, Oregon to New York while Chanrithy spoke about her memoir and performed Cambodian classical dance at St. Bonaventure University, College of Staten Island, and the Asia Society in Manhattan.
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Chanrithy flashed a smile, though it was her own little secret that waking up for her dance performance and talk in the packed auditorium was a herculean effort. But hey, who wouldn't trade a bit of sleep for the spotlight and an eager audience?
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Bob Kroeze, Chanrithy Him & President Robert Badal
"Thank-you" Letters from a student & the Univ. of Jamestown
The Chanrithy Him Scholarship
Inspired by the profound impact of my memoir When Broken Glass Floats, Bob Kroeze, a man with a deep legacy connection to the University of Jamestown, initiated a heartening act of generosity in October 2000. Honoring both the memoir and my journey, Mr. Kroeze, the grandson of Dr. Barend Kroeze – the esteemed first President of the University – established the "Chanrithy Him Scholarship" with an endowment of $10,000. This scholarship is a beacon of hope, especially designed to assist students from the Pacific Northwest attending the University of Jamestown.
The impact of this scholarship has been both profound and far-reaching, particularly for those majoring in Nursing. It has enabled a new generation of compassionate and skilled nurses to emerge, including one remarkable student who graduated in 2020. Amidst the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, this graduate stepped into the role of a Registered Nurse, fulfilling a critical need in our nation's healthcare system. This achievement is not just a testament to their dedication but also a reflection of the enduring friendship and support extended by my good friend, Bob Kroeze.
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Facing my first group of eager students at 8:00am EST, far from my Pacific Northwest home, I found myself in a bit of a pickle. Usually, I'm all about the commanding presence behind the podium, but when my luggage decided to take a leisurely tour and arrive at 2:30am, plans had to change. So, what's a girl to do? I opted for a more relaxed approach - sitting down during the Q & A.
As I stood behind the podium earlier, with a sea of expectant faces before me, I couldn't help but share my plight. "Folks, I'll be honest - the coffee's just not cutting it today. So, if you find a moment of silence in the next five minutes, just assume I'm indulging in a quick power nap!"
It was one of those moments where humor became my lifeline, bridging the gap between exhaustion and the joy of engaging with such a wonderful group of students.
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Back row: Chanrithy Him & President Robert Badal
Front row: Karol Kroeze & Bob Kroeze.
Bob kindly sponsored Chanrithy's visit to University of Jamestown.
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Book signing after Chanrithy's talk to the students, faculty members and the community.
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Professor North was a lifesaver, cheerfully helping me slip into my dance costume. Her peaceful energy was just the pick-me-up I needed! It turns out, we're the same age, which sparked some delightful conversations between us - it felt like chatting with an old friend.