narate keys

playwright / poet

BIOGRAPHY

Narate Keys is a Khmer poet, spoken word artist, playwright, and multidisciplinary creative from Saint Paul, Minnesota. Rooted in her Cambodian heritage and shaped by her immigrant journey, Narate uses the power of language and performance to uplift Khmer voices, preserve cultural memory, and express the complexities of identity, belonging, and resilience.

A self-published author, Narate has released multiple works including The Good Life, a compelling collection of songs and poetry; The Changes... Immigration Footprints of Our Journey, a poignant exploration of Khmer-American identity; and she is a co-author of Planting SEADs: Southeast Asian Diaspora Stories, a collective publication celebrating stories of the Southeast Asian diaspora. Her work often centers around themes of healing, empowerment, and intergenerational strength.

Narate’s poetry and storytelling have resonated with audiences across the country. She has performed at notable venues and events including The Loft Literary Center, Springboard for the Arts, Saint Cloud State University, the Dragon Boat Festival, the MayDay Festival, MN8’s fundraising events, and as a featured poet in Washington D.C. Her gift for visual art has also been recognized—her painting The Sun’s Reflector was featured in the Saint Paul Almanac.

In addition to her literary and visual works, Narate is a recipient of awards and grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and Twin Cities Media Alliance. These recognitions have supported her in developing Apsara, a musical rooted in Khmer history and mythology that reimagines the Apsara spirit through contemporary performance. Through this work, Narate aims to foster pride, cultural unity, and awareness within the Khmer community and beyond.

As a playwright, she is currently focused on bringing to life a non-fiction, historically inspired narrative that honors the Khmer Empire’s legacy. She views this endeavor not only as an act of remembrance but as a platform to unite and empower Khmer voices through the performing arts.

Narate describes her creative journey as one born from the heart. For her, art is a vehicle of love, healing, and truth. Whether writing poetry, painting, or composing songs, she creates to make her voice—and the voices of her community—heard.

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