Cambodia is famous for their circus performers. It’s not the usual circus with animals and clowns – but rather more like Cirque de Soleil with acrobats and amazing use of the body.
As Oliver mentioned in his Siem Reap post, this country is still recovering and rebuilding from its tragic past. Many of its children lived in refugee camps and developed post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from their horrible experiences. To try and help them with this, the government initiated art therapy programs throughout the refugee camps. There were a handful of children who developed a high degree of skill in acrobatics and the performing arts and brought it back to their villages. Once there, they started up circus training schools and invited those who were interested to come and learn. There are now troupes performing in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Battambang to sold out audiences.
When we first arrived in Siem Reap, we tried to get tickets, but they were sold out, so we had to wait a couple of days. It was so worth it!
There are a number of stories/shows the troupe performs and the selection changes almost monthly. The stories tend to revolve around the history of the country as well as links to their Gods and legends.
We met up with another Family on the Move from Toronto who were in Siem Reap at the same time as us. The Palardy-Winter family has been on the road for 7 months and since both families were interested in seeing the circus, we joined forces and met for dinner and the show. The circus café was lovely and it was perfect for the adults and kids to have their own conversations. Especially since the adults could enjoy a bottle of wine!
The story was about a young lame Cambodian boy (landmine) who was not accepted by his peers even though he really wanted to be friends with them. He prayed to the Gods to help him and their response was to turn him into a woman.
The group of boys all wanted to go out with this woman – but “she” wouldn’t give them the time of day. Eventually, the group of boys recognized the girl/boy and attacked him.
They were very remorseful for what they had done. The Gods visited them and told them the boy would return and that they all learned a great lesson on acceptance and inclusion. In the end, the boy comes back and joins the group and has lots of fun.
The acrobatics were amazing and the energy and enthusiasm was electrifying! What the performers lacked in props and costuming – they made up in so many other ways. They were total crowd pleasers and wanted everyone to get involved. It was a lot of fun!
At the end of the show, the girls were able to get photos with some of the performers. A great way to end the night – and incredibly inspiring! The group travels around the world and we would love to see them come to Canada. We highly recommend the Phare circus as an amazing night out of entertainment!
Comments
5 responses to “A Night at the Cambodian Circus!”
Hi Kat,
Isn’t it wonderful that these entertainers were originally offered this opportunity to help alleviate PTSD!!! At the same time. they are creating another tourist attraction with these new skills!!!! Love the Photos. Thanks for sharing! Love, Mom
Hi Mom,
It is great to see how they are turning a negative situation into a growth opportunity….these people are incredibly resilient and happy. We were very inspired watching them and hope they continue to bring their show on the road for other countries to see.
Cheers,
Kat)
What an experience! And an amazing ‘photo op’ …but this is becoming a ‘normal’ thing for you all! You are all sharing the wonderful nature of Canadians ( and the special nature of your family) as much as you are receiving ….the girls are getting ‘preferential’ treatment and no wonder…they are super Canadian listeners and learners! The show looked wonderful.
Hi Herta,
We have been treated very well all along our travel adventure. As soon as we say we’re Canadians – the smiles grow and we are welcomed beyond the usual. We chatted with the performers and they were so willing to have fun photos – they were a great bunch of people!
Cheers,
Kat:)
Hi, Katina, I’m back 🙂 and I know, that I’m way behind with my comments and readings, but I also can take my time in reading everything again and then Opa and I talk about it. But back to this posting, we just had our first experience with cirque de soleil and to read your posting about the Cambodian Circus brought it all back. The acrobats are so amazing, and hopefully this therapy will help with the healing of this wounded nation. Amazing how you meet up with Canadians in the “strangest” places. What a wonderful way to spend an evening: family, friends, good food and great entertainment. We enjoyed reading about it very much. XOXOXO’s