That evening I headed off to the famous Phare Cambodia circus. Phare was established in 2013 and at its core has three missions: Provide employment to Cambodian youth from difficult social and economic backgrounds, financially sustain the Phare Ponleu Selpak NGO school and thus contributing to the reemergence of Cambodia modern art. Each nightly performance combines theatre, music, dance, art, circus skills and acrobatics in a beautifully moving and unique experience, each infused with Cambodia culture and history. The performance I saw ‘Sokha’ was the story of the life of a girl who was haunted by the visions of the atrocities and destruction inflicted by the Khmer Rouge.

“Cringing in darkness, consumed by her fears, Sokha discovers her strength and resilience, and gathers all her determination to fight despair. Thanks to her trust in human nature, her choice as an adult will be to believe in social reconstruction by youth using art as a healing and solidarity factor between generations.” http://www.pharecambodiancircus.org/circus/

I’ve never experienced such a range of emotions in a 75 minute performance as I did that night. Nearly in tears in one moment, then laughing and cheering in the next.

Phare is touring in Europe later this year and I encourage anyone reading this (if you’re out there!) to take the time to experience this fabulous production.

http://www.pharecambodiancircus.org/circus/category/blog/

NOTE: Apologies for the quality of the photos…no flash allowed (fair enough!).

The arriving audience at Phare Cambodian Circus – Siem Reap.

Phare Cambodian Circus.

Phare Cambodian Circus.

Phare Cambodian Circus.

Phare Cambodian Circus.