Circus With a Purpose
Cambodia’s Best Modern Cultural Performance
More than just a circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent, making Phare Circus the top-rated modern cultural performance in Siem Reap.
Phare artists are students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s (www.phareps.org) vocational training center in Battambang. The association was formed in 1994 by 9 young men coming home from a refugee camp after the Khmer Rouge regime. They were greatly helped during that time by an art teacher using drawing classes as therapy and wanted to share this new skill among the poor, socially deprived and troubled youngsters in Battambang. They founded an art school and public school followed to offer free education. A music school and theatre school were next and finally, for the kids who wanted more, the circus school. Today more than 1,200 pupils attend the public school daily and 500 attend the alternative schools. Phare Ponleu Selpak also has extensive outreach programs, trying to help with the problems highlighted in their own tales.
Phare The Cambodian Circus offers these students and graduates somewhere to hone their skills and a place to earn a decent wage. Money that will take them out of poverty and give them self-respect and freedom.
Cambodia’s Best Modern Cultural Performance
More than just a circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent, making Phare Circus the top-rated modern cultural performance in Siem Reap.
Phare artists are students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s (www.phareps.org) vocational training center in Battambang. The association was formed in 1994 by 9 young men coming home from a refugee camp after the Khmer Rouge regime. They were greatly helped during that time by an art teacher using drawing classes as therapy and wanted to share this new skill among the poor, socially deprived and troubled youngsters in Battambang. They founded an art school and public school followed to offer free education. A music school and theatre school were next and finally, for the kids who wanted more, the circus school. Today more than 1,200 pupils attend the public school daily and 500 attend the alternative schools. Phare Ponleu Selpak also has extensive outreach programs, trying to help with the problems highlighted in their own tales.
Phare The Cambodian Circus offers these students and graduates somewhere to hone their skills and a place to earn a decent wage. Money that will take them out of poverty and give them self-respect and freedom.
Siem Reap
Showtime & Venue Hours
- Modern circus performances nightly
- Cambodian Street Food, drinks, shopping and pre-show entertainment from 5:30pm
- Show time 8:00pm (show lasts 1-hour, followed by the opportunity to chat and take photos with the performers)
TICKETS
SECTION A
- US$38.00 Adult (age 12+)
- US$18 Children (age 5-11)
- Reserved Seating in the front three rows of the middle section.
- Refillable sports bottle filled with cool water.
SECTION B
- US$28.00 Adult (age 12+)
- US$15 Children (age 5-11)
- Open seating in the rear three rows of the middle section.
SECTION C
- US$18.00 Adult (age 12+)
- US$10 Children (age 5-11)
- Open seating in the two side sections. Some spots have partially obstructed views.
Looking for Phare shows in Battambang?
Visit the Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school in Battambang to tour the campus or watch a circus show or other cultural performances by the students. Learn more about where it all started.
SUPPORTING A CAUSE
Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school
Phare, The Cambodian Circus is the social business extension of Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school. The circus provides well-paying job opportunities to the school’s graduates, breaking the cycle of poverty. Revenue generated funds the school’s academic and artistic education programs as well as community support and engagement.
Phare Ponleu Selpak – roughly translated, The Brightness of the Arts – is a Cambodian non-profit arts school located in Battambang, offering support to children, youth and the surrounding communities through artistic, educational, social and community outreach and engagement programs.
Over 1000 students are empowered every year through our schools and programs: performing, visual and applied arts leisure classes, and vocational training aid children and young adults to develop their creativity, communication and concentration skills, and to access a sustainable artistic career whilst preserving and promoting Cambodian arts and culture.
Find out more about Phare Ponleu Selpak: phareps.org
Shopping
The Phare Boutique offers a showcase of original art produced by students, delightful mementos from the circus and a variety of locally made handicrafts.
Dining
After passing through Phare Boutique, browsing the unique gifts and authentic paintings and drawings, you emerge into the open-air seating of Phare Café, where you can continue your Phare experience with a cold drink, light snack or a complete dinner from Fish Amok to Beef Kroeung.
Special set menu, show packages or buffet dining – also for groups – please contact us:
+855 (0)92 225 320
+855 (0)15 499 480
sales@pharecircus.org
NEWS
Cambodian Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Discover the vibrant traditions and cultural significance of Cambodia’s Water Festival – Bon Om Touk, as shared by a local. Join the festivities now!
5 Highlights of Phare Insider at the Original Cambodian Circus
Discover the magic of Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap with Phare Insider. Explore the technician and costume design work areas, witness artist rehearsals, peek into the stage entrance, and enjoy a refreshing Q&A session with the Phare manager. Unforgettable entertainment awaits!
Pchum Ben: Cambodian Celebration of Ancestral Respect
Join us as we explore the meaning of Pchum Ben, the Cambodian holiday of ancestral respect, through the eyes of a Phare Circus manager.