April 2006 Newsletter
Dear friends of the Israel Circus School,
The last month was one of the most exciting times that we have been through since we began here in our Circus Center.
- Starting off the month we where visited by the Boomchucka Circus group (www.circus2iraq.org ). Matt Boomchucka with Devil-stick Peat, Dark-Faie Andy and Theo Price started the month off by bringing their enthusiasm and Clown show to the Circus School and the Community Center in Margah. They left behind repaired unicycles and donations from Home of Poi (www.homeofpoi.com ).
- International guests start to arrive to our Circus Center. With performance preparations well under way the “Children’s Circus” headed off to the 13th Israel Juggling Convention managed by Itsik Orr and his team (juggler@012.net.il ). The one hour show was received by a first evening crowd of 400 with cheers and laughter giving the performers confidence in their ability to take the stage with zest.
- Two days after this in the wee hours of the morning, Mr. Arthur Pedlar and Mr. Alan Whitley from England and journalist Birgitta Engfeldt with photographer Catarina Nielsen from Sweden, all arrived to Israel. Their arrival began a marathon of performance, travel and intensive conversations that led up to the First Israel Circus Convention.
- Arthur and Alan donated their performance to Circus Margah, directed by Adnan Tarabashi (mrar@matnasim.org.il ) Israel Circus School is a partner and co-creator with Circus Margah since the year 2000 and we continue to forge and develop our mutual relationship into the future.
- Arthur and Alan gave a second donated performance at Diwan Ellajun in Nazareth Old city (diwanellajun@gmail.com ), together with Le Petit Travers (lepetitravers@free.fr ) a superb juggling act from France and “Looking Glass”. Diwan Ellajun Theater is managed by Hanita Hendelman who has set up a number of initiatives for the poverty stricken community, to empower women and children. Israel Circus School gives frequent workshops and performances at the theater to help keep stimulating cultural development.
- Finally the day before the Circus Convention, Swedish Clowns without Boarders, Pelle Hanaeus (pelle@komonq.org ), P.Nalle Laanela, Camilo Monasterio and John Henry Larsson arrived to join the festivities.
- Guest performers from Israel, Ronnie and Michael, Shakar Kamerie and Uval Rot completed the list for the day of action at the Circus Center. At last we could say that the Circus is in town and this was due to the wonderful team work evident especially in the month of April.
- The highlight of the month and perhaps the whole year so far was the very first Israel Circus Convention hosted by our Circus School. After monthly performances from the beginning of our working year (Sept. 2005) the “Children’s Circus” guided by the team of “Looking Glass”, together with our ever growing circle of friends put on a day of shows, workshops, outside fair and an air of magic that amazed and enthralled a crowd of 600 from all around the area and around the country. April 22nd 2006 will go down as a day to be remembered for a long time to come and to begin an annual event where we open our arms to friends from around the world. Get ready and plan ahead to join the festivities in 2007 here at Israel Circus School, the “Looking Glass” will be here to welcome you.
- It is important to mention that the efforts of parents from the Circus School contributed greatly to the overall success of all our activities for the general public. Their quiet behind the scenes efforts made sure that activities went smoothly and that our guests where well looked after while here.
- The steps we have taken from the beginning of the year have ensured a higher level of successful activity at the Circus Center. The frame work of action has been built and people now believe that we can do what we say we can do. Our improvement is going hand in hand with our experience and creativity. Our first spring month this year has been full of joy, the flowers of activity blooming with color and sweet fragrance in the well worked bed of the circus soil.
- Finally I would like to invite you to continue supporting our pioneering efforts to establish a Circus School of excellence here in Israel. Only strong foundations and determined efforts from the I.C.S team supported by our international friends will give the Circus Center credibility to approach the Education Ministry for official recognition. The path must be walked all the time and support must be constant if we are to continue with our peace work here in Israel between Jews and Arabs.
- “Looking Glass” Clown Alley invites you to look into the mirror, to smile and ask yourself what would YOU like to see in this wide world of ours!
May all your dreams of friendship and teamwork come true just as ours have over the past times.
Kind regards to one and all,
David Berry (Artistic Director of I.C.S)
