One of the main themes in Cambodian Rock Band is the aftermath of large-scale tragedy, especially its impact on relationships between generations. Leaving Cambodia, many refugees found that their new communities didn't understand what they'd experienced. Since the Khmer Rouge targeted academics, the already-difficult process of assimilating to a new cultural environment was compounded for some immigrants by a limited educational background. In the play, we see Neary learn more about her father’s experience under the Khmer Rouge as Chum struggles to decide what he can and cannot share with his daughter. Both characters’ arcs represent a universal story of art’s power to be cathartic after trauma. In 1998, Arn Chorn-Pond founded Cambodian Living Arts, an organization which supports all kinds of Cambodian creatives with grants and fellowships. Vibrant communities have been established by Cambodian immigrants in places like Long Beach, CA and Lowell, MA.