The Phare Circus in Battambang
Part of the Battambang travel guide — see every topic in All Battambang Guides.
Phare Ponleu Selpak is a non-profit arts school on the edge of Battambang. Founded in 1994, it gives young people free training in circus, music, theatre, dance and visual arts. Students perform public shows under a big top on the school campus. The shows mix acrobatics, juggling, live music and theatre, and they tell stories without many words, so anyone can enjoy them. This guide covers the shows, the campus and how to book.
The school
Phare Ponleu Selpak was founded in 1994. It offers free arts education to young people, many from low-income families. Students can study circus, music, theatre, dance, drawing, painting and design. The school also teaches general subjects, such as English, maths and computer skills. Many graduates now work as professional performers, artists, teachers and designers in Cambodia and abroad. Some former students helped start Phare, the Cambodian Circus, a professional circus company in Siem Reap. The school received the Prince Claus Award in 2012. Ticket sales from the shows help to fund the school, so a night at the circus also supports young artists.
The shows
Shows take place under the big top on the school campus in Anh Chanh village. The school's schedule lists four shows a week from November to February, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. From March to October there are three shows a week, on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Shows start at 7 pm. Each show tells a story through acrobatics, balance, juggling, clowning, dance and live music. The performers are young and full of energy, and the music is played live by students. A show lasts about one hour. Schedules can change, so check the school's website before you go.
Campus visits and workshops
You can also visit the campus during the day. Guided tours run on weekday mornings and afternoons, in Khmer, English and French. On a tour you may see students practising acrobatics, music or painting, and learn how the school works. The school also runs short art, dance, circus and music workshops for visitors and groups. There is a café and a small shop on campus, which sells art, prints and gifts made by students. Book tours and workshops ahead through the school, as times depend on classes. Please ask before you take photos of students in class.
Tickets and getting there
You can buy tickets online on the school's website or at the campus. Book ahead in the busy dry season, from about November to February. The campus is on the edge of town, about 10 minutes by tuk-tuk from the old centre. Most drivers know it, and many will wait and take you back after the show for an agreed price. Arrive about 20 to 30 minutes early to find a good seat and visit the shop. Bring insect repellent, as the campus is green and the shows are in the evening. The big top is open-sided, so the air can be warm.
The Phare Circus at a glance
| Getting there | Phare Ponleu Selpak campus, Anh Chanh village; about 10 minutes by tuk-tuk from the centre |
|---|---|
| Hours | Shows at 7 pm: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat (Nov to Feb); Mon, Thu, Sat (Mar to Oct) |
| Cost | Ticket per show; tours and workshops priced separately |
| Best time | November to February, when there are four shows a week |
| Book | Online on the school's website or at the campus |