Phare Circus

Visiting the circus might not be top of the list of things you thought you'd do in Cambodia, but Phare is a must for any visitor to Siem Reap. First and foremost, it is a fun evening with impressive performances that all ages will enjoy, but importantly - it supports a fantastic initiative for young people in nearby Battambang. 

At the circus, a traditional folk tale is told through modern theatre, acrobatics, contemporary dance, and live music. It all takes place in a high-top tent where the audience watches in the round while enjoying popcorn, drinks, and beer. 

All profits from the circus support the Phare Ponleu Selpak school, set up in 1994 by nine returning refugees from the Khmer Rouge era. Inspired by an art teacher who had helped them through drawing therapy, they decided to found the school to offer other disadvantaged children a similar experience. Phare thus began as an art school before expanding to cover music, theatre, and eventually the circus school. Students can hone their skills at the school and earn a good wage - many go on to perform around the world. 

The young performers you see will have been taught at the school, and profits are fed back in to support its current pupils.