International Tours: “Eclipse” in France
Phare Circus is a social enterprise owned by Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school. Together, at-risk Cambodian youth transform their lives through free education and well-paying jobs in the arts. The artists make good income through international tours, but also have life experiences not previously available to them.
Since 2002, Phare artists have gone on yearly tours in France. Organized by a partner organization called Collectif clowns d’ailleurs et d’ici, these tours allow Phare students and graduates to experience tour life, learn about life in Europe and gain valuable exposure to performing arts and artists outside of Cambodia.
For the past month artists from “Eclipse” have been touring in Lille, Argenteuil, Annonay and more. It is their second trip to France in two years.
The performances have been going well. French audiences are responding with enthusiasm to the unique Cambodian storyline and themes of superstition, social rejection and redemption.
Photos by David Bonnet.
Read about other Phare tours in France and the USA.
Read more about “Eclipse”.
About Phare Circus
Phare Circus is more than a conventional acrobatic circus. The artists create and perform stories based on their own life experiences. Drawing from recent history, folklore and modern society, the artists blend drama, dance, live music and circus arts to share a part of their lives with audiences. The performers come from unimaginably difficult social and economic background. They discover and develop their skills at Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school. They are able to earn a good living and transform their lives at Phare Circus, breaking the cycle of poverty.
About FOCASA
FOCASA Circus "FOCASA" aims to promote the circus in Asia and to develop the various facets of contemporary circus arts, mixing them with other styles of performance including traditional forms, acrobatics, street culture and theatre arts.
