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"Ayai" is a popular art form that entertains audiences through dancing, singing and joke. Most Ayai singers have been ordained (Buddhist monks) or well-rounded individuals. They are eloquent with words, have a good sense of humor, fast learners who can memorize a long storyline and are flexible. They have to unexpectedly create lyrics to suit the context of the ceremony or event.
There are two types of Ayai: Ayai Chhlang Chler and Ayai Reoung. Ayai Chhlang Chler performed as duel, a man and a woman pitching their wits against each other through singing, and dancing humorously. The lyrics can be sung according to the knowledge and talent of the artist in education, social issues, poems, legends, fairy tales and other stories. Whereas Ayai Reoung is a type of performance which performers follow a storyline, long or short. The story that is brought to perform, whether it is a fairy tale or a modern written story, is mostly a funny one. The performance also includes dancing, singing, and challenging with or to their performance partner, just like Ayai Chhlang Chler.
The accompaniment of Ayay is called "Ayay ensemble", which includes instruments such as: Tro Ou, Tro Duong Toch (or Troso), Khim, Krapeu (Tak Ke or Tak), flute, ching and rounded earth drum. There are around 15 music used in this Ayay orchestra and those are: Hom Rong, Kanseng Krahom, Ayay worship song, Bampey klay song, Tan Chao song, Dil La song, Soy Sangvar song, Sen Sranoh song, Chab Chhay song, Yil Yog song, Teka Mong song, bird walking on the ground song and hunter Prey or Chao Phim song.
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