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SOKHA

Sokha is a child haunted by war. Her memories of surviving Khmer Rouge combine with surreal visions and nightmares to create a distorted and dark reality. But through art, she discovers her strength and finds the tools to heal both herself and her community.

The Phare Circus show tells a powerful and emotional story. It’s based on the true-life experience of Phare Ponleu Selpak’s founders – from when they were young students in a thriving Cambodia, their survival of the Khmer Rouge era, and through to their vision and creation of a school using art to help heal and educate other children.

Surviving Khmer Rouge

Sokha is a powerful mix of drama, dance, contemporary circus techniques, live painting, and original, live music. The show highlights the long term effects suffered by post-war victims and the way art provided a powerful way to heal and rebuild the country.

SYMBOLISM IN SOKHA

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Please contact us directly to find out, ticketing@pharecircus.org

Phare Circus performance"Sokha" - surviving Khmer Rouge: young woman in white shirt, black pants holding arms up with happy smile

Phare Circus show "Sokha" - surviving Khmer Rouge: female performing as a teacher reading a book while students circle around her

Phare Circus show "Sokha": performers take turns jumping double jump rope

Phare Circus show "Sokha" surviving Khmer Rouge: visual artist doing live painting representing bombing and chaos of Khmer Rouge

Phare Circus show "Sokha": artists in black costumes and skull masks, one performing on balancing sticks

Phare Circus show "Sokha": visual artist live painting the destruction of a Buddha , war destroying art

Phare Circus show "Sokha" - surviving Khmer Rouge: female performing artist on hands and knees with anguished expression

Phare Circus show "Sokha": performing artist in black and skull mask on balancing sticks with blurred background

Phare Circus performance"Sokha" hand-to-hand balance on top of a human pyramid

Phare Circus show "Sokha": female artist having a nightmare while taunted by ghosts of the war

Phare Circus performance"Sokha": girl in poor clothes being adopted by happy mother and father after the war

Phare Circus show "Sokha": male dancer holds female contortionist at his shoulders

Phare Circus performance"Sokha": male performer dancing energetically with others watching on

Phare Circus performance"Sokha": female teacher in traditional costume in front of male students in white shirts

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NOTE: Phare, The Cambodian Circus’ shows are inspired by the real-life experiences of its creators and performers and deal with themes such as war, discrimination, relationships, poverty and ghosts. Some performances contain smoke, loud noises & music and strobe lights. Please consult with a member of the ticketing staff if you have any concerns or you have very young children.

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