The Journeys Within team heads to Phare’s newly erected tent to take in an evening performance of The Adventure …
As a new generations of Cambodians come to age, the country and its social landscape are changing along with them. There is no better, or more exciting way to experience this transformation that to take in a show cutesy of Cambodia’s circus, Phare.
A seamless blend of traditional and modern theater — one that includes music, dance, juggling and some impressive tumbling — Phare performances offer a beautifully choreographed interpretation of life and civil society in Cambodia.
The Journeys Within team had the pleasure of taking in The Adventure, the story of a young man from an ethnic tribe who leaves an abusive household in search of a better life. Boarding a bus to Phnom Penh, he soon finds out the big city and bright lights aren’t all they are cracked up to be.
Phare, the Cambodian Circus is the brain child of Phare Ponleu Selpak, a Cambodian non-profit, non-governmental association that aims to promote the Khmer arts and culture. Founded in 1994 by eight young Cambodians ex-refugees artists, the Battambang-based organization helps disadvantaged youth learn lifelong skill and sustainability.
While Phare’s cause and choice of story lines may be serious business, the performances themselves are fun-filled affairs. A delight to both the children and the adults in the audience — JW staffers included — the circus uses a playful humour and daring athleticism to wow the crowds.
And like any good, family-friendly story, The Adventure had a happy ending — the young boy finds a troupe of misfits who build his self confidence and give him the skills to survive, making this one story where art imitated life.
Since moving to Siem Reap, the circus has been putting on nightly shows. They have also recently acquired a big-top tent to make the shows available even in the rainy season. A on-site cafe is also in the works, which will make the circus grounds a soon to be hot-spot for tourists and locals a-like.… Read more »