The long history of Phare Circus
Phare is the short for Phare Ponleu Selpak, which means the light of art, an art school created in 1994 in Battambang by 9 friends returning from Cambodian refugee camps after the fall of the Khmer Rouge.
In their camp, a French volunteer had introduced them to painting; back home, their goal was to financially support her NGO mother Phare Ponleu Selpak, to help young people regain their self-confidence, keep them busy to keep them off the streets and help them express themselves through art... In addition to the drawing school, a public school and a music, circus and graphic arts school were quickly added.
Year after year, Phare has developed and opened an art and circus school which currently welcomes 1400 children from backgrounds with great social and financial difficulties.
A special circus to see absolutely must see
Since 2013, Cirque Phare has been getting closer to the tourist circuit and has become a new attraction to see absolutely in the evening in Siem Reap. Far from the traditional circus of animals, these young artists take you to the heart of contemporary Cambodian art and tell stories that address strong themes in the Khmer tradition.
The shows consist of impressive acrobatics, theatre, dance, and music composed and performed by the musicians of Phare. Overflowing with energy and enthusiasm, the artists make the audience smile and transport the audience to the heart of Cambodian history and culture. Thrills, surprises and laughter will be waiting for you, something to amaze young and old alike.
The Circus, for whom?
- For children: interesting activities that will create a typical souvenir during their stay in Siem Reap.
- And especially for older children: the pleasure of falling back into childhood
The circus, at what time of the trip?
During any trip to Siem Reap and especially to Battambang to visit the circus school