CAMBODIA: An Exclusive Private Phare Performance
Roaming Around With Robin & Allison (RAWRA) promise bespoke experiences on all our trips. We believe every activity we include is unique and special, but some experiences are truly outstanding. Our private Phare performance in Siem Reap was phenomenal. Very few people are fortunate enough to experience the thrill of having exclusive use of a ‘big top’, but our 17 travellers to Asia in 2024 got to do just that. This was truly a night to remember …
Phare Overview
Phare, the Cambodian Circus, is the top rated cultural performance in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Phare employs multiple techniques including theater, music, dance, art and acrobatics to tell unique Cambodian stories. The majority owner of the circus is the Phare Ponleu Selpak (meaning ‘The Brightness of the Arts’) non-profit school. Phare is a social enterprise and earnings from the circus, private events (like the one we hosted!), refreshments and merchandise cover 50% of the school’s annual budget and 100% of the circus’ operating expenses.
Phare Ponleu Selpak was formed in 1994 by nine former refugees of the Khmer Rouge regime who benefited from art classes as therapy to address their trauma. The public school, music school, theatre school, art school and circus school they founded provide free education to over 1200 at-risk Cambodian youngsters. A recent graduate of Phare Ponleu Selpak was the first Cambodian in join Cirque de Solei in Canada, a testament to what the right support can do to nurture talent. RAWRA selects the vendors they use carefully and where possible we will always support local business and worthy causes. Choosing to visit Phare for our private event allows them to continue to support those most in need.
Private Phare Performance
At RAWRA we are always on the lookout for unique experiences to bring delight to our travellers. We always knew Phare would be on our Asia 2024 itinerary, but when we found out private performances were an option we knew we had to make it happen. RAWRA contacted Craig Dodge, Director of Sales & Marketing to get the ball rolling. Craig put together a few proposals for us to consider and once we had chosen our preferred package the rest was easy. We kept this a tightly held secret from our travellers until we revealed the full itinerary on the first night of our trip in Seoul, South Korea. The delight in the room was palpable.
We arrived at the big top at around 10pm on a rainy October night after a fabulous dinner at Mouhot’s Dream. Our procession of Tuk Tuks expertly navigated by Driver Srey‘s fabulous women drivers delivered us right to the entrance where we were warmly welcomed by Craig and the cast before being escorted to the Big Top. Some of our travellers have mobility issues and it made it so much easier for them to navigate without having to fight the crowds. Once settled in to our prime front and centre positions, Craig provided a brief introduction while snacks and drinks were served before the main event.
Private Phare Performance Seating
During our initial discussions with Craig we were initially disappointed to learn that our group would be too large to take advantage of the eight fabulous bespoke seats which were custom designed by Channy Chhoeuh. Imagine our surprise when we entered the big top to see the first two rows decked out in all their splendour. Craig and the team had pulled out all the stops to have extra seating made just for us and I know each and every one of us truly appreciated the extra comfort. Craig explained they hope to get lots of use out of the new seating as more discerning travellers continue to enjoy Phare private events.
Phare Artists
Phare’s cast of talented artists are all students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s various schools for vulnerable young people. Phare pays all performers a living wage allowing them to rise above poverty and break the cycle. The young circus artists showcased their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent in an extraordinarily moving show. Our Phare private performance concluded with a fabulous opportunity to mingle with the cast.
The Show: Sokha
Sokha tells the story of a young girl haunted by the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. It’s a deeply moving tale of resilience, healing and the transformative power of art which is inspired by the real-life experiences of the founders of Phare Ponleu Selpak. Through rich symbolism, stunning acrobatics, dance, live painting and music, the show takes you on a journey through Cambodia’s recent history, from the peaceful pre-war era to the devastation of the Khmer Rouge and the country’s gradual reconstruction. Sokha’s story is one of personal struggle and ultimate triumph.
Got FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)?
Attending a private Phare performance is just one of many bespoke experiences RAWRA travellers have enjoyed. If you missed our Asia 2024 trip, check out our upcoming trips to find out where we are heading next. If you find yourself in Siem Reap make sure to secure a ticket to one of Phare’s nightly shows. I suggest splurging on the VIP Section A seat to get the best out of your visit.
Disclosure Statement: This post is not sponsored. We paid for our visit to Phare in full and the information provided is based on our own personal experience and has not been influenced in any way. This post may contain affiliate links and any purchases will earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.
