It has been almost a month since we left Siem Reap, and another week shouldn’t pass without talking about the best circus I have ever seen in my life — Phare, The Cambodian Circus. No, they haven’t showed death-defying stunts performed on ceilings (at least at that time when we watched), and no, they haven’t showcased clowns and seals. But what I saw somehow stirred not just my senses but also a deeper aspect of my being, including my emotions and intellect.
One of the things that make this Cambodian circus the best one ever is that they aren’t just about stunts and comedic antics. They’re also not just about a showcase of performance to entertain the crowd. It’s how they incorporate great talents and well-thought choreography into a story that will tell you something about Cambodian culture and history, even if some scenes are a bit dark and morbid in reality. What’s awesome about them is how they can tell a serious story while still maintaining the entertainment aspect for everyone in the crowd.
[Disclaimer: The blog author is not related, in any way, to the organisation featured here. The experiences, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article is that of the author alone and should not be in any way serve as sole basis for other people’s perception on the Phare Circus and its organisation.]
The Story of Sokha
When we were there in the last week of November, Sokha was playing. It was a story of a child haunted with visions and nightmares of the destruction and violence brought about by the Khmer Rouge into her once-happy country. Through a series of amazing circus techniques, great original music and other displays of artistry and creativity, we watched how Sokha has struggled with her fears and finally found her courage and strength to create a better world for the future generations.
For a Filipino who somehow understands his own past, I find the story of Sokha relatable. It somehow shares a similar theme with any performances that showcase Philippine history — a story of oppression wherein people are afraid and enslaved, of struggles to achieve their freedom and of hope as they journey to create a better future for their children’s children.
On a deeper sense, the story of Sokha can give chills to those who have a deeper understanding of Cambodian history. But because of the creative antics and awesome performances put up by Phare, the story somehow brought an entertaining factor to everyone who watched the show. The performers had effectively brought everyone to a variety of emotions as scenes unfolded — happiness, excitement, fear, sadness, relief, hope and happiness.
A Showcase of Talents in Many Aspects
As I have mentioned often, Phare isn’t just about circus stunts and interesting choreography. A few may realise that the live music and songs on the background also play an important role to the entire show. What’s amazing about this is that these songs and music are original compositions — in our case when we were watching Sokha, the guy who was playing the keyboard was the composer.
It doesn’t end there. In some parts of the show, we got to see a talented visual artist who created his masterpieces on canvas in front of us. His artworks help tell the story of Sokha further, providing a great sense of entertainment to anyone in the show. And if you’re into artworks, you will have the chance to buy his artworks!
The shows of Phare Circus is indeed a showcase of talents — circus stunts, contortionists, visual artists, singers and composers. Isn’t it amazing how this group can provide great entertainment to tourists and locals alike?
More Info: Understanding the Symbolism in ‘Sokha’.
The Noble Cause of Phare
The best thing about the Phare Circus is that they endeavour to help the less fortunate youth of Cambodia, especially those in Battambang. They help provide employment to these Cambodian youth, and essentially move them away from the perils of poverty such as trafficking and begging. Phare’s parent organisation in Battambang, the Phare Ponleu Selpak, is an NGO arts school that helps these youth in getting education in both normal public school and the arts.
In fact, the performers, visual artists, singers, composers and other talented individuals you see in every Phare show are the same youth that the organisation are helping or have helped. So it’s definitely inspiring that instead of begging on the streets, these youths are developing their skills and talents in order to put up a great show that will help finance the future of their fellow youth.
Responsible Tourism
If you’re visiting Siem Reap, start your nightlife with a visit to the Phare Circus! The ticket costs 18 USD and I’m telling you, it’s definitely worth it! You don’t just get to enjoy the night; you also get to help the less-privileged Cambodian youth to have a bright future! And if you’re feeling a little more generous, you can also give out a dollar or more as donation after the show.
When we were there, their big tent is found along Comaille Road, behind Angkor National Museum, in Siem Reap. I read that they’re currently doing a fundraiser to have a permanent home for the circus since the lease on the current one is going to end.
[UPDATE 2019.09.01 – Phare already has a permanent home on Phare Circus Ring Road in Siem Reap City, 2km from Pub Street and Old Market. You can still further support Phare, too.]
Have you been to this Cambodian circus? Share your experiences and thoughts with our fellow readers by dropping as a line or more in our comments section. Thanks.
