A Creative Path Begins (1996)
Every artistic journey starts somewhere. For Mr. Sam Monny, it began in 1996, when Phare Ponleu Selpak was still a young vision taking shape in Battambang. At just sixteen, Mony became one of Phare’s first general art students.
Born and raised in Battambang, Monny’s talent, curiosity, and commitment became clear from a young age. What began as a passion for creativity quickly developed into a meaningful connection to Phare’s growing artistic community.
From Promising Student to Dedicated Mentor
In 1998, Monny’s dedication inspired him to become an assistant at the Leisure Center, a space supported by the international organization “Enfant Réfugieé du Monde (Refugee Children of the World). The space later became the Phare Child Development Center, where Mony continued to support children through art and education.
In the middle of 1999, as the circus program faced a shortage of skilled artists, Mony stepped up once more. Monny was promoted and sent to Phnom Penh for six months of training at the Secondary School of Fine Arts, where he studied circus methodology, management, and safety support. This experience broadened his skills and helped strengthen Phare’s artistic programs for future generations of students.
Photo credit: Supplied
The Birth and Rise of Theatre at Phare
A turning point came in 2001, when Phare separated theatre from the circus program, creating an educational theatre class designed to promote learning and social awareness.
Through collaboration with World Education and MAG Cambodia, the program’s modest beginnings soon began to flourish. Educational performances connected with diverse audiences and demonstrated theatre’s power to inform, inspire, and engage the community.
Collaboration, Growth, and Artistic Innovation
The following years were a whirlwind of creativity that put Phare on the map and expanded its reach. While Phare’s signature “circus-theatre” fusion actually dates back to 1999, bolstered by nationwide tours supported by World Education, Phare’s scale and impact reached new heights in 2007.
In 2007, Mony and our theatre troupe uncovered new opportunities for professional growth. By training with world-class artists and the legendary Théâtre du Soleil, our team didn’t just learn new techniques; they deepened the authenticity and spirit of their performance style.
This collaboration led to one of our proudest milestones to date. Between 2011 and 2013, Phare produced its first-ever historical play, celebrating the life of the late King Norodom Sihanouk. It was a massive, heartfelt undertaking that eventually toured across France, coordinated and supported by Théâtre du Soleil. It was more than just a tour—it was an opportunity to show the world the unique heart, history, and unmistakable style of Phare’s performing arts.
Photo credit: Rattanakoudom
A Thriving Theatre School & A Vision for the Future
While our theatre program began operating independently in 2006, it wasn’t until 2011 that it finally found its own dedicated home. By 2014, we began building a formal curriculum committed to shaping the next generation of Cambodian actors, directors, and performers.
Since then, the school has become about more than just acting. Phare Ponleu Selpak is a place where students cultivate the confidence to speak, the freedom to express, and a deep understanding of the world around them.
Today, Monny leads this vibrant community as our Theatre Teacher and Coordinator. For him, the journey doesn’t stop at the stage. His vision for the future is bold and clear:
“I want this program to become a film school in the future.”
It is a dream that reflects his unwavering belief in Cambodian creativity and a lifelong dedication to uplifting the voices of young artists. Whether on stage or on screen, the story of Phare continues to grow.
Photo credit: Supplied
The Legacy Continues
From those early art classes in 1996 to the dynamic theatre productions that shape Phare today, Mony’s journey is more than a story—it is a legacy. Through perseverance, imagination, and an unwavering belief in the power of the arts, he has helped build a program that continues to inspire every student who steps onto the stage.
Join our mission to keep theatre and performing arts alive in Battambang—support Phare and empower young talents to rise.
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