Mrs Suanesavanh presents a basket of flowers to Mrs Vonvilay and the performers.

Six decades in the air: Lao National Circus celebrates a legacy of resilience

From its revolutionary beginnings in the caves of Viengxay to international stages, the Lao National Circus marks six decades of preserving culture, inspiring generations and carrying the spirit of Laos to the world.

As the lights dimmed inside the National Circus Theatre in Sawang village, anticipation filled the air. Moments later, the audience erupted into thunderous applause as acrobats soared through the air, balanced on towering structures and performed breathtaking feats of strength and precision. For many spectators, the occasion was more than a spectacular performance—it was a celebration of six decades of history, sacrifice and cultural pride.
Among those taking to the stage were young performers who have devoted years to mastering the demanding art of circus performance. Behind every daring leap and carefully choreographed routine lay countless hours of training, discipline and perseverance. For many of them, participating in the 60th anniversary celebration was not only an opportunity to showcase their talent but also a source of pride in carrying forward a tradition built by generations of Lao artists before them.

Mrs Vonvilay delivers a speech.

The Lao National Circus marked its 60th anniversary on June 20, bringing together government leaders, veteran performers, artists and invited guests to honour one of the country’s most enduring cultural institutions.
The celebration was attended by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket, deputy ministers, representatives from the Commission for Information and Education of the Party Central Committee, former circus performers and distinguished guests who have dedicated their lives to preserving and developing the unique art of Lao circus performance.
For six decades, the Lao National Circus has stood as a symbol of resilience, creativity and national pride. Born amid the hardships of war and nurtured through decades of peace and development, the institution has grown from a small revolutionary troupe into an internationally recognised cultural ambassador for Laos.
Opening the ceremony, Mrs Suanesavanh described the National Circus as an important cultural bridge that has connected generations of Lao people through artistic expression.

“For 60 years, the Lao National Circus has embodied beauty, creativity and resilience. Through its unique performances combining movement, music, light and colour, it has brought joy and inspiration to countless people and has become an important part of our national cultural identity,” she said.
The minister noted that the circus was established in 1966 in the revolutionary stronghold of Viengxay district in Huaphan province, at a time when the country was engulfed in conflict.
“Amid the flames of war, our artists used their talent as a powerful weapon of encouragement and patriotism, bringing hope and strength to soldiers and the people in their struggle for national liberation,” she said.
Even during the most difficult years, circus performers endured immense hardship, travelling from place to place and staging performances that inspired soldiers and civilians alike. Following the achievement of peace and national independence, the Party and Government continued to support and promote the circus, enabling it to flourish and evolve into a major national cultural institution.
One of the most enduring symbols of this development is the National Circus Theatre itself. The theatre in Vientiane was built with grant assistance from the former Soviet Union, now the Russian Federation, reflecting the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Completed in 1990, the theatre has served as the home of the Lao National Circus for more than three decades and remains one of the country’s most important venues for artistic performances and cultural exchanges.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Director of the Lao National Circus Mrs Vonvilay Latthafasavang said the establishment of the Central Circus Troupe six decades ago demonstrated the visionary cultural policy of the Lao revolutionary movement.
“The National Circus has never been merely a source of entertainment,” she said. “It has served as an important vehicle for educating, inspiring and uniting our people. Every generation of artists has contributed to building a culture that is national in character, progressive in spirit and deeply connected to the people.”

She described the six-decade journey of the circus as one marked by perseverance, sacrifice and artistic excellence.
“From humble performances in caves and open fields during wartime, our artists have carried the Lao flag and Lao culture to international stages, earning recognition and awards in many countries and making our nation proud,” she said.
Over the years, Lao circus performers have brought the country’s cultural identity beyond its borders, captivating audiences around the world and earning praise for their skill, discipline and creativity.
The director paid tribute to generations of former leaders, veteran performers and teachers whose dedication laid the foundations for today’s achievements.
“All these accomplishments would not have been possible without the sacrifices, determination and hard work of our former leaders, retired staff and veteran performers. They paved the way and passed on the spirit of the Lao National Circus to future generations,” she said.
Mrs Vonvilay also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the governments and people of Vietnam and China for their invaluable support and assistance to the Lao National Circus over the years. She noted that both countries have made significant contributions to the development of Lao circus arts by providing training opportunities, professional exchanges and capacity-building programmes for Lao performers and instructors.
“Many of our artists have had the opportunity to study and receive specialised training in Vietnam and China. The knowledge and experience they gained have played an important role in raising the professional standards of the Lao National Circus and nurturing a new generation of performers,” she said.
Looking ahead, Mrs Vonvilay emphasised that the 60th anniversary should not only be seen as a celebration of the past but also as the beginning of a new chapter.
“Today is a new starting point. We must preserve our historical and cultural values while embracing innovation, modern technology and international cooperation. By doing so, we can create performances that are more attractive, financially sustainable and capable of reaching wider audiences,” she said.
For the younger generation of performers, the anniversary was also a reminder that they are more than entertainers. They are custodians of a unique cultural legacy born during the country’s revolutionary struggle and sustained through decades of change. As they took their final bows, they represented not only the future of the Lao National Circus but also the enduring spirit of resilience and creativity that has defined the institution for sixty years.
A retired official of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Mrs Yommala Vongchandy, after watching the performances, said many of the acts were highly impressive and reflected the remarkable progress made by the Lao National Circus over the years. She expressed her delight and pride in seeing a new generation of young circus artists emerge and successfully carry forward the legacy of their predecessors.
“It is encouraging to see these young performers preserving and developing our national circus traditions. They are becoming the new generation that will continue this important cultural mission and ensure that the spirit of the Lao National Circus lives on,” she said.
As the final performance concluded and the audience rose to its feet in applause, the moment captured the essence of the Lao National Circus itself—a story of determination, courage and an unwavering commitment to preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
Sixty years after it was born amid the revolutionary struggle in the caves of Viengxay, the Lao National Circus continues to defy gravity—not only on stage but also in its enduring mission to inspire, entertain and carry the spirit of Laos proudly into the future.

By Phon Thikeo
 (Latest Update June 29, 2026)