Who we are
Introduction
We are a group of young artists called "Fekat circus", which means "blossoming circus" in Amharic, based in the messy suburb of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
We had the chance to enter into the magic world of circus arts when we were very young and the circus transformed our lives...
It took us away from dangerous life styles (drug's abuse, criminality, etc...)
It built our self-confidence & self-esteem...
It stimulated our creativity...
It taught us to relate peacefully with others...
It showed its power to entertain & heal people's hearts and minds!
We believe that we must share and spread the healing power of arts in this world contaminated by individualism and materialism. With this in our mind, we wish to promote positive individual & social change among the society!
Our history
The Fekat Circus was created in 2004 by Dereje Dagne, a youth with a passion for the circus, who grew-up on the streets of Addis Ababa. Dereje requested the support of an Italian child focused NGO working in Ethiopia (CIAI - Italian Centre for Children Aid) because he wanted to provide circus trainings to other youths living in disadvantaged areas of Addis Ababa. His idea was to stimulate youths through the circus arts and become a positive role guiding them clear from the risks associated with urban poverty.The trainings were a great success. The acrobatic and juggling activities proved a good instrument in attracting youths generally difficult to involve in such play-educative activities. Fifty children/youths started to attend the trainings and, among those, around fifteen who were more committed reached in a short time to a professional level. These fifteen young new artists decided then to establish the “Fekat Circus”.
Since its beginning, the Fekat Circus:
- provided circus trainings to children and youth from all backgrounds
- performed more than hundreds circus shows (in hospitals, orphanages, prisons, schools & during ceremonies)
- performed educational shows among communities living in difficult circumstances
- shared its experience with national & international artists
In 2008, Fekat Circus was recognized by the Addis Ababa Sport Bureau as a Sport club association.
In January 2009, due to the growth of its activities, Fekat Circus Club obtained a license of Limited Liability Co-operative issued by the Addis Ababa City Government Trade and Development Bureau.
In April 2010, Fekat Cricus Club obtained the official licence of Cooperative issued by the Addis Ababa City Government Trade and Development Bureau.
The "LAB-ART" Centre
In 2009 Fekat Circus moved in an ancient and beautiful house located in the historical centre of Addis Ababa (Piassa).In its outdoor area we built with our own hands a theatre-gym made of mud: the LAB-ART! This new eco-friendly space is actually used both to rehears and perform. Every day you will find children and youth jumping, juggling, dancing, acting... Occasionally we organize artistic shows & performances. Our plan in 2011 is to make the Lab-Art become a free open stage, open to all interested performers and spectators. You are invited to join!!
