Cambodian Circus Show

The performances under the Phare Big Top in Siem Reap are a world away from the traditional circus with its parade of animals. Here, through acrobatics, dance, mime, live music, and a range of stage antics, dynamic and multi-talented performers bring to life powerful Cambodian stories. Delivered with agility, humor, and emotional depth, the shows explore themes such as discrimination, war, and folk beliefs. By attending a performance, not only will you enjoy a memorable evening, but you’ll also be supporting a truly deserving non-profit organization.

A bit of history

The story behind Phare, the Cambodian Circus, is as inspiring as the shows themselves. It all began when nine young Cambodians, who had spent their childhoods in refugee camps, reunited with their art teacher to create an art therapy center. Their goal was to help children express the traumas they had experienced due to war. In 1994, the non-profit association Phare Ponleu Selpak—meaning "The Brightness of the Arts"—was founded in Battambang. Initially offering only drawing classes, the center gradually expanded to include other artistic disciplines, and in 1998, a circus school was opened.

To financially support the school and provide its students with a platform to showcase their talent, Phare The Cambodian Circus was established in Siem Reap in February 2013. Today, in Battambang, Phare Ponleu Selpak offers instruction in dance, theater, music, circus arts, visual and graphic arts, along with educational programs and social support. Meanwhile, in Siem Reap, Phare has become one of the city’s must-see attractions.

Enjoying a show at Phare Circus

Named the Big Top, the tent hosts performances all year round. Every six days, the program changes. A variety of shows created by the artists are presented in turn.

Same Same but Different highlights the differences between Cambodians and foreign visitors; Sokha shows how art can help process trauma from war; Eclipse addresses discrimination; Influence explores power struggles and survival; Chills is a humorous take on popular beliefs; Khmer Metal paints an unvarnished picture of urban Cambodia.

If you arrive early enough, you can enjoy Khmer or Western dishes served at Café Phare starting at 6:00 PM. The vibrant atmosphere will immediately immerse you in the world of the circus. Then comes time to take your seat around the ring and enjoy a colorful festival of breathtaking acrobatics, comedy and music, as well as sound and light effects. Whatever show is on, it will take you on an emotional rollercoaster.

Before or after the show, don’t miss the Phare Boutique, where artworks created by students of Phare Ponleu Selpak are displayed and sold. Every lovely souvenir you purchase helps support the association and its circus school.

How to get there

Phare Circus is located on Phare Circus Ring Road, just south of the intersection with Sok San Road.

Hop in a taxi or tuk-tuk—almost every driver in Siem Reap knows the address of the Big Top.

Showtimes

The circus performs every day. Each show lasts one hour.

In the evening, the performance starts at 8:00 PM.

On Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays until March 31, 2018, an additional matinee is held at 5:00 PM.

The tent opens 30 minutes before the show begins.

The Café and Boutique open 2 hours beforehand.

For the safety of the performers and the comfort of the audience, no late entry is allowed once the show has started.