Siem Reap – Cambodian Circus – Phare

Siem Reap – The Cambodian Circus – Phare Show

If you are in Siem Reap, a unique show to see is the Cambodian Circus.  They call it a circus, but it’s more like an early version of Cirque du Soleil, in that the show is comprised of theater, music, dance and contortionism/strength displays.

The actors/artists in the show are either students or graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak’s vocational training school in Battambang.  The school was started over 20 years ago by a smal group of refugees from the Khmer Rouge regime.  The school initially offered free traditional education, and later added music,  theater and circus training options.

The show I saw when I attended is called Khmer Metal.  The theater is in the round and is very hot (make sure to get a fan as you enter), and the small center area was staged as a rock and roll bar.  Any seat you get is pretty good as you can’t be very far away from the performers. The basic plot is that at the bar, drinkers and bar staff and entertainers are all trying to make a living, although not always in an honest way.

Sorry, but there are no pictures, as you aren’t allowed to take pictures of the circus.  But you can follow the link above to see more.

There are a cafe and gift shop there. Profits support the school. Also there is a donation box on your way out.  So, go see the circus, and support the arts in Cambodia.