6 Best Performing Arts in Cambodia

Cambodia's answer to the Cirque du Soleil is truly a must-see. It started as a traveling troupe, but there are now nightly performances in a high-top tent southwest of the city center, though they continue to take the show on the road internationally and also to Phnom Penh. The high-energy performances combine Cambodian storytelling traditions with circus arts, dance, acrobatics, and acting to captivate audiences every night. The Phare School is a charitable organization that has a positive impact on poor communities. If you want to learn more about the background, visit the Phare Ponleu Selpak center in Battambang.

Most seating is first-come-first-served, so try to get there early.

This architectural landmark, built in 1960 by Vann Molyvann in the modernist "New Khmer Architecture" style, hosts performances of traditional music and dance organized by the Ministry of Culture, and is also a venue for business events such as conferences. Ask your hotel to check for upcoming concert details.

Since 2007, Meta House has been a trendy one-stop for culture in the capital, and a significant supporter of the development of the Cambodian arts scene. Their calendar of events includes movie screenings, live music, DJ sets, theater performances, arts exhibitions, and media festivals.

Established to create work opportunities for talented local artists, Plae Pakaa puts on three shows, each performed twice a week at 7 pm (no show on Sunday). They are organized by the Marion Institute with Cambodian Living Arts and take place in the National Museum gardens. The beautifully staged performances showcase the rich diversity of Cambodian culture, from Apsara dances to traditional ceremonies, theater, music, and contemporary dance. If you're only in town for two or three days you can catch a different performance each night.

The privately run association organizes educational workshops for young Cambodians in dance, music, and theater, and hosts performances featuring shadow puppets, folk dances, and traditional music every Friday and Saturday at its theater.

Get inspired! A really interesting initiative, The 1961 is a gallery-art-events-cowork space. People gather for the quality exhibitions, to enjoy cool drinks in the outdoor pavilion, or just to find a quiet little spot to catch up on some work and have a coffee. The regular exhibitions feature local and international artists and aim to bring them closer to their audiences, showcasing classic to avant-garde, and visual to musical forms of art.