Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Phare
A contemporary circus staged by students of a non-profit arts school, blending acrobatics, theatre and music to tell Cambodian stories. A popular night show.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus grew out of Phare Ponleu Selpak, a non-profit arts school in Battambang. Many of its performers come from poor families and trained here in acrobatics, music and theatre before taking the stage. The big-top theatre in Siem Reap stages a show every evening at 8pm, lasting about an hour. The repertoire rotates, and the performances use contemporary circus to tell stories of Cambodia's history, legends and society today. The show is tightly staged and very moving, with no animal acts, and ticket proceeds support the school. Seats cost roughly US$18–38. In peak season, book online in advance. Arrive early to browse the snack stalls and shops outside the tent. The theatre is in the southwest of town, about 10 minutes by tuk-tuk.
Opening hours
Nightly show at 20:00 (about 1 hour)
Nearby sights
- Artisans Angkor
- Pub Street & Night Market
- Angkor National Museum
- The Smile of Angkor Show
- Angkor Wat
- Phnom Bakheng
- Phnom Krom
- West Baray