Cambodian Circus: Phare, The Cambodian Circus “Uniquely Cambodian, Daringly Modern” Experience one of the highlights of Cambodia and meet talented young performers in breathtakingly entertaining and original Cambodian shows. Phare, The Cambodian Circus tells uniquely Cambodian tales using modern circus arts and high energy music, touching on themes strong in Cambodian tradition, ethos and spirit. The performances mix theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, fire and contortion with an explosion of virtuosity and sensitivity. During the hour-long shows, the Phare performers share their emotions and excitement, blowing the audience away with their integrity and power. Phare’s iconic RED Big Top is centrally located with convenient access from most hotels and any parts of the city of Siem Reap. The big top welcomes up to 330 spectators every day at 7h30pm. The productions changes regularly and have been well received by many. It is ranked as one of the top tourist attractions in Siem Reap by travelers’ and reviewers on TripAdvisor. CNN Travel describes Phare as “Incredible! ” And The Lonely Planet calls it an “Unmissable!” Experience for all travelers to Cambodia. On site Phare Cafe offers a wide variety of beverage, meals and snacks before and after the show to complete the experience at the Circus. Phare artists are students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak Association, an artistic and social center in Battambang. The association was formed 20 years ago by 8 young men coming home from a refugee camp after the Khmer Rouge regime. They were greatly helped by art therapy and wanted to share this new skill among the poor, socially deprived and troubled children and youth in Battambang. They founded a school of visual arts, a music school, an awareness theatre and circus school were next and finally public school to offer free education. Today more than 1,200 pupils attend the public school daily and 500 attend the arts schools. Phare Ponleu Selpak also has extensive social outreach programs especially in child protection and their integration to the community and society. Phare, The Cambodian Circus is an activity of Phare Performing Social Enterprise that offers these students and graduates a performing venue to hone their skills and a place to earn a decent wage and that aims to sustain the artistic, education and social outreach programs of the association. Many lives have been dramatically improved through these programs. The young artists are able to build their careers and lives through these unique artistic and performing opportunities.