Support Ivan to make the world a better place
Circus performers know all too well that the physical, mental and emotional strain that one puts oneself through to follow this career is massive. We do it because we love it, but when the element of choice is taken away, it becomes blatant abuse. Add to this poor living conditions and human beings who are bought and sold like products, and a hideous picture emerges.
The following is an excerpt from an email that I received recently:
‘Working along side UK professionals the Esther Benjamin Trust have put together a rehabilitation and vocational training program that comprises of hugely talented young people who have been rescued from Indian circuses. This project was born when some of the former circus girls expressed a desire to develop the skills that they were once forced to learn into something for their own pleasure. Beyond being a cathartic experience for the performers, it also became clear that with support and training they had the potential to forge careers as professional performers: Now Nepal’s first ever contemporary circus company has been born- Sapana: Company of Dreams.
The young people who have chosen to participate in Sapana are now receiving regular, high standard training, and they have already debuted in their first show. The coming year will see Sapana performing this show internationally’.
At first it was hard to believe that I was reading about circus trafficking! The buying and selling of children who were to be enslaved as circus performers is a real industry, and not merely the plot of some dark absurdist film. I read and reread the email.
And then I asked if I could help?
To be a part of something truly inspiring, to experience a facet of society that normally is hidden from us, to live amongst the soaring Himalayas, and to use my skills for a genuinely good cause, these opportunities don’t come along so often.
My heart leapt when I was offered the chance to work with Sapana as a volunteer trainer. And then a few days later they told me that some key funding had fallen through and my hopes came crashing down.
But I steadied myself: everything would be ok, I still had the gig, I just had to somehow get the money together for the flight, visa and vaccinations.
Then you suggested I host a fundraiser! And I thought that we could raise funds not just for me, but also for all trainers who maybe want to come over and help out.
Ok, I thought, I have 3 weeks to organize this fundraiser and make a new show with Skye, before I fly to Nepal. Why not?
What we lack in time we will make up for in passion and zeal. And besides, in my new home in Brisbane there is an amazing community of talented, innovative and supportive circus performers. So at the very least it will be awesome to try and get everyone together for a great cause and a good party.
So the fundraiser is happening on:
Sunday the 19th June
At Turnstyle 10 Laura St, Highgate Hill
It will begin at 5p.m. and go well into the evening.
Turnstyle is a multi-purpose community hub: The crew there are really something, they run a bike workshop, keep honey bees, have a pizza oven, make home brew, have a band stage and a cinema and the list goes on. They're always happy to host a fundraiser for a good cause. There will be performances, films, food, drinking and music. It will be half-organized and half-renegade. There is a little stage and an expansive backyard, so if anyone wants to do something, or say some words, or play some music, get in touch with me (ivan.boom@gmail.com) and I'll try and make room for you.
Sorry aerialists, next time I have a fundraiser I'll put it somewhere where we can rig.
For people who can't make it to the fundraiser but who would still like to help out, you can make a donation into this bank account:
Account name: Mr Ivan N Smith
BSB: 063 122
Account number: 10653619
And to my wonderful Melbourne friends who have already offered support, moral and otherwise, thank you so much.
For more information about the Esther Benjamin Trust, go to www.ebtrust.org.uk
For other questions or comments, contact me on ivan.boom@gmail.com
Thanks heaps
Ivan
Editors’ Note: Ivan Smith is a circus performer, puppeteer and general manipulator of objects. He has sprung forth from the overactive imagination of The Red Button, a company dedicated to presenting new work through collaboration and experimentation.
