Sokha -​ សុខា

 

Sokha -​ សុខា 

Phare Circus 

Written by Vanna Phasokar

Sokha is a heart-wrenching play that tells the story of a woman who went through the dreadful period of Khmer Rouge as she faced her nightmare. The play slightly shows the life of Sokha prior, during, and after the Khmer Rouge, with which she had been a young and youthful girl with great interest in art. A story based on the real life story of one of the Phare Ponleu Selpak’s founders, Mr. Khuon Det, with the inclusion of comedic scenes, as well as amazing and dangerous stunts that will intrigue audiences on different levels. Not only did this play showcase the story of a survivor of the period, but also the clever display of youth being forced into committing to Angkar, along with stories of friendship, escape and the blooming of the next generation into the world of art. Most importantly the amazing live transformation of the character Sokha further adds onto the creativeness, showcasing her change from an old lady to an energetic student in an instance as she reminisces her life story. The joy and sorrow then begins.

The play was performed by artists graduated from Phare Ponleu Selpak and is played all day during the week of the 2025 Chinese New Year. This circus is a tourist attraction with daily performances, by which each week is dedicated to performing one play with multiple artists taking turns to perform throughout the week.

 Support the youthful Cambodians on your next trip to Siem Reap.

Further details regarding the play ‘Sokha’ and Phare Circus can be found on the official website of Phare Circus: www.pharecircus.org

(Pictures were taken by Vanna Phasokar)