Cambodian circus group shines light on Khmer Rouge era

A Cambodian circus group have joined forces with a French dance company to depict stories of brutality and despair from Cambodia's darkest days, the reign of the Khmer Rouge.

Under Marxist leader Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Their policies of social engineering led to the deaths of more than a million people by starvation, overwork, torture and execution. Some estimates say up to 2.5m people died.

Cambodia now has a very young population, many too young to remember this period in their nation's history, and who often do not believe the stories of violence and terror.

The performers from Phare Ponleu Selpak and Compagnie UBI hope the show will help more young people to understand Cambodia's past.

While on a recent tour of the UK, members of the company spoke to the BBC World Service.

Video Journalist: Sarah Austin