But it’s a circus with a difference, as Circo Zoé brings a feel of contemporary circus to ŻiguŻajg International Children’s Festival. Ramona Depares interviews aerial acrobat Chiara Sicoli.

Can you describe the production that you will be bringing for ŻiguŻajg festival?

We are concentrating our feelings and energy on two issues. Our first production, called Naufragata, is about a group of travellers and their urgent need to make it to shore. This production was inspired by an Italian text by H. Melville.

The production has been created in such a way that we are in continuous dialogue with the audience and, as we delve deeper into our adventure, our aim is to capture the attention of the audience and get them more involved in order to instill more energy in the show.

Our other production, called Indian’s Summer, is a combination of music and circus, allowing for a blend of enticing improvisation work which together bring about feelings of freedom and warmth just as one experiences in an Indian summer.

What is the idea behind it?

Circo Zoé  is a contemporary circus company consisting of five circus artists, two musicians and one technician who is half Italian and half French. Our main aim is to create a new adventure.

For us, circus and music are two forms of popular art that serve as meeting points and offer a travelling space, an organised form of rebellion in nature.

It is not only the artists who make up our company, but also all those who support us and believe in our project. Through both productions, our ultimate aim is to present a travelling community made up of people with conflicting ideas, love, anger, dreams and delusions. A community which resists and upholds human values during a day of festivity.

What are the biggest challenges of this art?

I guess, as in any other form of art, the biggest challenge is to make the public feel that it is not a minor art. On the contrary, it is one full of energy which highlights the reality of our humanity in a modern and appealing way.

The circus enables me to express the way I see the world around me

What meaning does the word ‘circus’ have for you?

To me, circus is synonymous with a group effort. It is a project made up of a combination of circus and music. Given also the fact that a circus can be dangerous unless everything is done as it should, ‘circus’ to me also means that everyone should respect one another and be diligent in what one is doing. ‘Circus’ enables me to express the way I see the world around me.

How have circuses evolved through time to those of today?

A circus today is no longer a family tradition; instead, we have a circus school. This means that there is no longer a unique aesthetic interpretation, but is more about the freedom of individual expression.

Where does Circo Zoé fit within this evolution?

Circo Zoé  has the traditional circus character at heart, and we believe that a circus can provide a good-feel moment for people of all ages. Although we will be presenting a traditional character, we are giving the production our own personal touch in view of current events.

Traditional circuses typically attract bad press for a variety of factors, including the fact that they use animals. What are your views on this?

The use of animals in circuses is a tradition which we do not subscribe to.

Is it just for children?

No, it’s for all ages.

The Indian Summer takes place on November 25 at 7pm at the Catholic Institute, Floriana. Naufragata takes place on November 24 and 26 at 7pm at the Catholic Institute, Floriana.

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