Phare, The Cambodian Circus

About the Organization: 

Phare, The Cambodian Circus, is a contemporary circus troupe based in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Established in 2013 as part of Phare Performing Social Enterprise (PPSE), it serves as a social enterprise extension of the non-profit Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) school in Battambang. The circus combines traditional and modern circus arts with Cambodian storytelling, drama, dance, live music, and visual arts, creating performances that are both culturally rich and artistically innovative. By providing well-paying job opportunities to the school’s graduates, Phare breaks the cycle of poverty and funds the school’s academic and artistic education programs, as well as community support and engagement. Performing nightly in their iconic big top, Phare dedicates 75% of its profits to support the arts school in Battambang, making it a model of sustainability and responsible tourism. 

About the Show: Sokha

Sokha is a touching performance that combines contemporary circus techniques, live painting, and original music to tell the story of a young girl haunted by memories of war. Based on the real-life experiences of Phare Ponleu Selpak founders, the show follows her journey of self-expression, healing, and resilience as she transforms her pain into strength, inspiring both herself and her community through art. With its blend of heartfelt storytelling and breathtaking artistry, Sokha is a powerful reminder of the enduring effects of war and the healing power of art.

Phare Ponleu Selpak

About the Organization: 

Phare Ponleu Selpak, based in Battambang, Cambodia, is a renowned nonprofit organization that transforms lives through art, education, and social support. Since its establishment in 1994, Phare has been nurturing young talents in circus arts, theater, music, and visual arts, creating opportunities for self-expression and professional growth. Its circus graduates have gained international recognition, performing in festivals and stages worldwide while sharing powerful stories rooted in Cambodian culture and resilience. 

The Acting Art Academy

About the Group: 

The Acting Art Academy in Phnom Penh is dedicated to training Cambodia’s next generation of actors and storytellers. Founded by a French filmmaker, the Academy provides a unique platform for aspiring performers to develop their skills and creativity. With a mission to revive Cambodia’s film and theater industry, which was devastated by the Khmer Rouge era, the Academy inspires its students to overcome challenges and embrace their potential, fostering a new wave of Cambodian talent in the performing arts. 

About the Show: End of Love 

End of Love is a mesmerizing cabaret performance that explores the poignant moments marking the end of love. Through ten surreal and emotionally charged scenes, the show blends acting, dance, acrobatics, and singing, offering a multi-dimensional theatrical experience. 

This remarkable production marked the first collaboration between Phare Ponleu Selpak and The Acting Art Academy, uniting their talented students in a shared artistic journey. Performing at the Tini Tinou Festival, End of Love captivated audiences with its innovative storytelling and heartfelt performances, showcasing the power of creative collaboration in Cambodia’s performing arts. 

ARC Circus Company 

About the Group: 

ARC Circus is an innovative and dynamic international performing arts company that masterfully blends circus, dance, and theatre. Comprising a collective of multi-talented individuals driven by creativity, invention, and curiosity, ARC Circus is dedicated to crafting extraordinary stories that captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.

About the Show: A Bee Story 

A delightful and adventurous physical theatre production, A Bee Story invites children and families on a heartfelt journey through the vibrant world of native Australian bees. When their hive is destroyed by bushfire, Queen Bee and Worker Bee embark on a mission to rebuild their home, overcoming challenges with teamwork and resilience. 

This enchanting performance combines circus, acrobatics, dance, and live music to celebrate Australia’s unique flora and fauna while exploring themes of sustainability, environmentalism, and community. A Bee Story is an uplifting performance full of warmth, sweetness, and human connection. It’s a buzzing reminder of how important it is to care for nature and live in harmony. 

Radiant Dance

About the Group: 

Radiant Dance, founded in Taipei in 1997, is a pioneering Taiwanese performance troupe that blends dance, acrobatics, and storytelling. With a commitment to innovation, the group draws inspiration from everyday life, transforming real-world experiences into dynamic and thought-provoking performances. Since 2019, under the leadership of Wu Ying-Fang, Radiant Dance has embraced a bold vision of creativity, exploring limitless possibilities in movement and form. Their works reflect the belief that life itself is a dance, and they strive to capture its rhythms and emotions in every performance. 

About the Show: TA and him and her

TA and him and her is a captivating fusion of acrobatics and traditional physical arts, delving into the cycles of creation and destruction, inspired by Wuxing and the balance of yin and yang. The performance reflects on themes of rebirth, fate, and humanity’s impact on the natural world, weaving together philosophical concepts and deeply personal moments. 

Through powerful movements and evocative imagery, the show invites audiences to confront the ever-changing relationships between body, space, and time. Combining Taiwanese pride with Oriental philosophies, TA and him and her is a bold exploration of survival, transformation, and the search for peace in a chaotic world. 

National Taiwan College of Performing Arts (NTCPA)

About the Group: 

The National Taiwan College of Performing Arts (NTCPA) is a leading institution shaping the future of performing arts in Taiwan. With programs ranging from acting and directing to traditional Chinese performing arts, NTCPA nurtures versatile artists who master both contemporary and classical techniques. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, the college empowers students to explore and innovate across various artistic fields. 

About the Show: Three Short Acts (Forgetting the Unforgotten Forgotten, Ark, Turn) 

NTCPA students presented three captivating performances: Forgetting the Unforgotten Forgotten, Ark, and Turn. These talented young performers dedicated countless hours to perfecting their craft, resulting in truly memorable stage experiences. 

Each act skillfully combined drama, movement, and traditional elements, showcasing the students’ creativity and exceptional talent. Their performances were full of energy and precision, leaving the audience in awe. Their passion and commitment were evident in every movement and line, creating an unforgettable impact. These rising stars demonstrated their incredible potential and set the stage for the future of performing arts in Taiwan. 

FORMOSA CIRCUS ART (FOCA)

About the Group: 

Formosa Circus Art (FOCA) is Taiwan’s leading contemporary circus troupe, blending traditional Chinese acrobatics with modern circus and theater. Since their founding in 2011, FOCA has drawn inspiration from Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage, creating performances that connect tradition with innovation. Recognized as a “TAIWAN TOP Performing Arts Troupe,” FOCA has toured over 30 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, including prestigious events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Avignon OFF Festival. 

About the Show: Our Perfect Youth  

Our Perfect Youth takes audiences on a nostalgic journey to 1980s Taiwan, capturing the charm of life in military dependents’ villages. Through mesmerizing circus acrobatics, the show transforms cherished childhood games—like hide and seek, hopscotch, tree climbing, and jump rope—into visually stunning performances. 

Set amidst winding alleys and bustling streets, the performance incorporates vintage toys like spinning tops and bouncing balls to evoke the simplicity and joy of youth. The show is both a celebration of innocence and a reminder of the deep emotional connections that shaped village life. With moments of tension and delight, Our Perfect Youth invites audiences to relax, reflect, and reconnect with the carefree spirit of childhood, reminding us of the happiness found in life’s simplest pleasures. 

OBAKE お化け

About the Group: 

OBAKE お化け is an extraordinary performance unit formed in 2023, bringing together the talents of Kazuki Yano, a Japanese pantomime actor with over 30 years of experience; Tong Gluea, a member of Thailand’s leading pantomime troupe BABYMIME; VK.Vich, a pioneering magician and theatre director; Wannasak Sirilar, an award-winning stage and film actor; and Aek & Miduho, a multi-talented musician who creates immersive soundscapes using everyday objects. Based in Bangkok, this group combines expertise in pantomime, magic, acting, and music to deliver performances that are both innovative and captivating.

About the Show: 100 Obakes in Edo 100 Years Ago 

Step into a world of supernatural intrigue with 100 Obakes in Edo 100 Years Ago, a theatrical journey inspired by the legendary Obake—shape-shifting spirits from Japanese folklore. This performance reimagines Edo-era Japan through mesmerizing drama, where characters transform into ghosts, animals, and objects, exploring the mysterious and the absurd. 

With captivating choreography, imaginative storytelling, and soundscapes created from everyday objects, the show blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Set in both shadowy and illuminated spaces like staircases, balconies, and chandeliers, the performance showcases the performers’ remarkable skills as they embody the ever-changing forms of the Obake. 100 Obakes in Edo 100 Years Ago invites the audience into a surreal world where the boundaries of identity, space, and time are continually reshaped.

VK.VICH

About the Artist: 

VK.Vich (Vichayut Kanungchoti) is an acclaimed magician, illusionist, hand talent, street performer, and theatre director from Thailand. As one of the pioneers of magic theatre productions in the country, he has brought innovative performances to the global stage, collaborating with international networks and performing at prestigious events around the world. VK.Vich has earned first place in numerous international magic competitions and is known for his groundbreaking work in combining magic with theatre. 

He has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Best Art Work Entity (Crystal Award) at the World Performing Arts event in France and the BMC World Performing Arts Award. With over 19 international honors, his performances are considered some of the most unique and original in the magic industry, leaving a lasting impact on the global magic community. 

About the Show: LUCID

LUCID by VK.Vich invites audiences to step into a world where dreams and reality collide. Through a seamless blend of circus and magic, the performance explores lucid dreaming as a powerful symbol of facing fears and unlocking hidden potential. 

With mesmerizing acts and thought-provoking illusions, LUCID sparks a sense of wonder, encouraging viewers to reflect on the power of their imagination and the boundaries of what feels real. “What if we could truly shape our dreams, but it’s not reality… do you still want to wake up?” This haunting question lingers throughout the performance, leaving the audience captivated and inspired to embrace the unknown. 

Vietnam Circus Federation

About the Group: 

The Vietnam Circus Federation, located in the heart of Hanoi, is a premier modern circus with a legacy spanning over six decades. Established on May 16, 1956, the Federation is home to over 100 talented artists and officers across three distinct ensembles. Known for its dedication to both traditional circus arts and innovative performances, the Vietnam Circus Federation has built a reputation for excellence, not only within Vietnam but also on the international stage. Their work continues to captivate audiences worldwide, blending the richness of Vietnam’s cultural heritage with the thrill and artistry of modern circus performances. 

About the Show: Aerial Sword Balancing 

In this breathtaking short act, the artist performs the daring feat of balancing on a sword while suspended high in the air. Combining skill, strength, and extreme precision, the performance showcases the artist’s years of dedicated practice. Each movement requires perfect control and balance, making it a stunning display of both aerial acrobatics and sword balancing. This act blends danger with elegance, capturing the audience’s attention with its intensity and beauty. It’s a true testament to the artist’s extraordinary talent and the power of discipline.

 National Circus Group of Laos PDR

About the Group: 

The National Circus Group of Laos PDR, based in Vientiane, has a storied history rooted in the 1980s, when the Soviet Union gifted a big-top to the capital. Known locally as the Russian Circus, the group has brought entertainment and wonder to audiences for decades, showcasing the rich tradition of circus arts in Laos. 

About the Show: Skillful Acts Showcase (Duet Balancing, Aerial silk act, Roll Balance/Rola-boia, Contortion) 

The National Circus Group of Laos PDR presented an unforgettable showcase of four skillful short acts: contortion, roll-balance (Rola-Bola), duet balancing, and aerial silk. Each act demonstrated remarkable artistry and physical mastery, captivating the audience with daring feats and graceful movements. These performances, which demand years of dedicated practice and exceptional skill, highlighted the timeless appeal of circus arts.

Tsubasa Watanabe

About the Artist: 

Tsubasa Watanabe is a talented performer from Japan, known for his skillful diabolo juggling and graceful dance. After graduating from a top international circus school in Japan, Tsubasa performed at festivals across Europe, wowing audiences with his creative movements and emotional storytelling. His performances combine technical precision with artistic expression, making them both impressive and meaningful. 

About the Show: CONTOUR

CONTOUR is a stunning solo performance that explores themes of passion, creativity, and the human spirit. With music setting the mood, Tsubasa tells a story through his intricate diabolo tricks and expressive dance. 

The show asks what drives the “flame” inside each person—the energy and passion that shape our lives. Set in the lively streets of a city, CONTOUR connects Tsubasa’s artistry with the audience, creating a shared moment of beauty and inspiration. 

FORCE

About the Artist: 

FORCE is a creative group from South Korea that’s all about rethinking how we experience art. Since 2016, they’ve been blending traditional values with fresh, modern ideas to create performances that stand out. FORCE’s work is all about pushing boundaries, exploring new ways to perform, and giving audiences exciting, meaningful experiences. Oliver continues to perform and create unique highwire acts in challenging and high-altitude environments around the world. 

About the Show: SUZIK

SUZIK is an inspiring Chinese pole performance featuring three incredible artists who work together to redefine what it means to “climb the ladder.” Instead of competing to be on top, they support each other, showing how teamwork and cooperation can create something truly amazing. 

The word “Suzik” means “verticality” in Korean, but this show flips the idea on its head. It’s not about who’s higher up—it’s about how we can lift each other up. The performers take on daring, gravity-defying moves on the pole, creating a story about balance, trust, and working together in a world that often feels like it’s all about competition. 

Since premiering in 2018, SUZIK has wowed audiences at over 40 festivals, including the Seoul Street Arts Festival and Suwon Theater Festival. It’s a powerful reminder that when we work together, we can all rise higher. 

Oliver Zimmerman

About the Artist: 

Oliver Zimmermann is a skilled highwire walker with over two decades of experience. He trained at École Sans Fil in Brussels and Circus School Fratellini in Paris, refining his craft in tightrope walking and highwire performances. Oliver has performed across Europe and collaborated with various circus companies, including Cie. Catastrophe and Clowns Without Borders. He has also taught at the Circus School in Battambang, Cambodia, and worked as an artist and technician with Circus Marcel in Belgium. 
 
Oliver continues to perform and create unique highwire acts in challenging and high-altitude environments around the world. 

About the Show: Highwire Walking over Sangker River 

Oliver Zimmermann’s highwire act at the Tini Tinou International Circus Festival in Battambang was a breathtaking moment that will be remembered for years to come. In a historic first for the city, Oliver crossed a nearly 200-meter-long wire, suspended 12 meters above the Sangker River.