While most tourists visiting Siem Reap tend to envision the stunning Angkor Wat temples they will soon see, there is an aspect of the visit waiting for its guests: “Phare, The Cambodian Circus,” also known as the Cambodian Circus Show. This outstanding and engaging display has proven to be one of the last experiential elements to look forward to when traveling to the country and the history and artistry that it encompasses.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Title: The show of the Cambodian Circus takes place in Siem Reap. There are no circuses featuring animals and clowns. New types of entertainment and education are storytelling, theater, dance, acrobatics, music, and visual art. This is pioneering work by Phare Ponleu Selpak, which, literally meant “The Brightness of the Arts” as such organization is not-for-profit.
Starting in 1994, it was initiated by young refugees who returned from camps along the Thai border after having survived all the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime and healed themselves doing art and creativity. Today, this circus is like an amalgamation of stories, whether it is a yesteryear one or the current one that’s getting narrated in Cambodia-it’s like folklore, struggle, and aspirations.
Experience About the Show
It starts with the tent door, as any one very well understands that the air is full of energy and creativity; one can very well realize that the next play going to be awesome. Every play is so different, about a different story-one of time about the plight of province Cambodia, after-effects of war, or even the new ones such as social justice, family relations, or the dreams of being that young adult. School of Arts, Phare Ponleu Selpak.
Added to this is the band living in attendance with the act, whose musical backgrounds are constantly changing with transitions ranging from more old-school Cambodian melodies toward more modern beats, making an auditory trip on its own harmonizing with the visual journey.
Very talented and full of so much energy, patience, and passion. What I find really interesting about this great merge of acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, dancing, and even live music, is the Cambodian Circus. You would be made to gasp at their dashing agility and strength as they take you into a journey of gravity-defying stunts through elegance and precision when you see them perform.
Social and Cultural Importance
It really tells you that it really cares about making a difference. The arts of Phare Ponleu Selpak empower the youths of Cambodia. Training is provided to these youngsters who come from extreme conditions and soon get jobs.
In this manner, the circus helps some artists manage a future sustainable life for their family, whereas some face hardships in life due to it. It is through the circus that the artists achieve perfection of their skills and even self-confidence. As such, going directly to the circus show directly contributes towards those efforts; thus, it is an appropriate responsible tourist choice that automatically subscribes one to contributions that improve the community they visit.
Tips for visiting The Cambodian Circus Show
As much as the show becomes popular, you can even book your ticket early when peak seasons of tourists abound. The chairs come in VIP to the ordinary, each viewing a different version of the show.
The screenings are held at night. Commonsensically, therefore, screenings should be held during nighttime around 8:00 PM. Still, to confirm, it is best to refer to their schedule at the official website of the circus or from their ticketing partners.
Getting there on time: It would probably be to reach at least half an hour before the start of a circus performance. That amount of time would give one time comfortably settle and look around this small exhibition and shop for souvenirs, which would bring much insight into this organization and brief encounters with some of the artists.
More than the Circus
The Cambodian Circus Show will be a must-visit when coming to Siem Reap but can well be done along with other activities to make fuller use of a visit. Generally, more general activities that can be done in Siem Reap include ancient Angkor temples, great night markets, cooking classes, and sampling authentic local Cambodian food. All this forms a great combination that ensures there is something for everyone within the city between history, culture, and nightlife.
Why You Mustn’t Miss This
Better than a show, it’s a story-saying that brings you into the heart and soul of Cambodia. Observe here the resiliency, creativity, and talent of the Khmer people in a way no other attraction in Siem Reap can bequeath. Just the perfect blend of fun and learning; thus, making it perfect for tourists in all forms of traveling groups of any age when traveling alone with friends or even families.
Conclusion
Going out to the Siem Reap Cambodian Circus Show doesn’t have that evening ambiance; here’s the most glorious experience you will ever have had. You would be amazed by the energetic passion of the locals because you loved shows where the artists levitated Siem Reap above their heads, spoke to them, and even reported their emotions through some form of a fantastic thing to remind one of the power and strength of human creativity bringing renewal into lives, making it one of those experiences that ought not to be missed when one goes to Siem Reap.
FAQS
What does Siem Reap offer to the tourist?
The province of Siem Reap is essentially the birthplace of Angkorean civilization and provides a wealth of experiences for travelers captivated by Khmer culture. Nestled amidst forests and farmland, the Angkor ruins are today recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How long is the Phare Circus show?
Cambodian street food, drink specials, shopping, and pre-show activities kick off the evening experience at 5:30 p.m. Main performance starts at 8:00pm. The show lasts 1-hour, followed by the opportunity to interact and take photos with the artists.
Is the Phare Circus good?
To sum it without giving too much away, the entire affair was entertaining and humorous. Technically they were all amazing but it was more of a play than typical circus act. We thought it was great and extremely different; I would definitely go again and watch something else.
Why do people go to Siem Reap?
Siem Reap city is located in the northwest of Cambodia, near to the lovely Tonle Sap lake. This place is famed for the beautiful Angkor Wat architectural complex, designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage.
Who is the famous circus?
Claimed to be The Greatest Show on Earth, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, sometimes known as just Ringling, the Ringling Bros., the Barnum & Bailey Circus, or just Ringling, is a traveling American circus.
