- Title: Circus school opens in Beirut
- Date: 11th May 2016
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) LEBANESE CITIZEN ATTENDING THE EVENT, MARIA CREMONA, SAYING: "I feel proud today. A circus school in Lebanon is my childhood dream: to be able to work on myself in a different way than the traditional intellectual paths in Lebanon like being a doctor or an engineer."
- Embargoed: 26th May 2016 14:34
- Keywords: Lebanon school circus clowns youth Beirut
- Location: BEIRUT, LEBANON
- City: BEIRUT, LEBANON
- Country: Lebanon
- Topics: Arts/Culture/Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVA0034HD39LH
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Stilt walkers, performers and jugglers were all part of an opening ceremony at a new circus school in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
The school, located in the Jisr El Wati neighbourhood, was created by Lebanese Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Cirquenciel.
"We are opening today the first circus school in Lebanon. Circus is very important for the youth from different ages, we are addressing people starting the age of 5 - children - till those in their sixties and seventies. Everyone can do circus. The goal is to develop manual skills and communication within the group, people count on each other for help to reach a result together," said Nadim Abdo, director of the youth program at Cirquenciel at the event's opening on Saturday (May 7).
The new school will open its doors to the public twice a week for free circus sessions. The organisation also works with marginalized people, those with physical disabilities and refugees.
Project manager at Cirquenciel, Maher Safar, highlighted the importance of the space for all kind of artists.
"The space is in itself formed to welcome an open number of activities and arts. As you can see around, people came from different regions and they do a lot of things; some are engineers, other play music. There might be people sitting and playing music while someone else is doing a small performance. Musicians come here and play with us, painters join us for workshops and paint. We sit with everyone and welcome all kinds of art," Safar said.
Lebanese musician and facilitator, Johnny Gerges, who works at Cirquenciel, said the circus can be a source of education as well as entertainment.
"We believe that arts serve as a way to teach all materials. It teaches physics: a ball is falling, there is gravity- I can hold someone on my hands while standing on my hands, this is Newton's first law- sum of forces equal zero, I learn sciences while moving. I don't need to sit in class anymore, I really can learn in alternative, effective and successful ways. This is our final message and we hope to find more cooperation with all the concerned authorities. This is a goal we wish all Lebanon, from the bottom of our heart, because this is where they reached in Sweden and Finland," he said.
People who attended the opening event of the school were treated to shows by jugglers, clowns and other circus art performers.
"I feel proud today. A circus school in Lebanon is my childhood dream: to be able to work on myself in a different way than the traditional intellectual paths in Lebanon like being a doctor or an engineer." said Maria Cremona, who was attending the opening.
Another Lebanese woman, psychologist and artist, Ravienne, was also supportive of the initiative.
"This is really great because as I studied in psychology, this trains one to have a link between his body and his brain, it helps him in other creative things in life. What is happening here is really beautiful because we don't see many people in Lebanon encouraging new things or things that give people happiness, so this is very beautiful," she said.
Cirquenciel was set up in 2001 carrying out events and workshops in schools and clubs. According to their website working with children and 'youths around the Middle East' is a core part of their mission. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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