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After my recent post about the Arts and its role in creative development and expression for young people, it was so wonderful to see the talented performers of @phareponleuselpak doing their thing. PPSA (or "The Brightness of the Arts") is a non-profit Cambodian association improving the lives of children, young adults and their families with art schools, educational programs, and social support. As a circus lover I've seen some mighty impressive performances before, but nothing as expressive and energetic as this performance of 'Chills'. Here our circus performers are reading from a ghost story about spirits that haunt Cambodian villages. The performers go on to juggle several books, a feat I have never seen before (except when I try to read several books simultaneously). The acrobatics were extraordinary, and the audience was in stitches. Any performance that features books and storytelling is a winner as far as I am concerned. It is particularly important considering Cambodia's all too recent history of persecution for any reading that was not part of the Khmer Rouge doctrine. Phare Ponleu Selpak is a beautiful balm, helping Cambodian's to heal through the Arts. #phareponleuselpak #circus #cambodia #battembang #storytelling #healingthroughart #khmer #youthcircus

A post shared by Rowena Tuziak (@writerowena) on Feb 8, 2017 at 9:35pm PST