Circus energises city

What changes will the circus bring to urban development and people's lives? Dozens of experts from China, Russia, Spain, Italy, Canada and the European Circus Association explored issues regarding the circus, city and life at the 1st China International Circus Festival Circus & Acrobatics Development Symposium on Thursday.

Fabrice Becker, general manager of the Cirque du Soleil ("Circus of the Sun,") Global Talent Show, noted that a circus can a new rise to a city. It is a good start for Zhuhai to host the international circus festival, which will serve as a bridge and promote exchanges . He said Zhuhai can bring more pleasant surprises to the world in the future.

Cirque du Soleil is a Canadian entertainment company, self-described as a "dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment." Based in Montreal, Quebec, and located in the inner-city area of Saint-Michel, it was founded in Baie- Saint-Paul in 1984 by former street performers, Guy Laliberté and Daniel Gauthier. The company is the winner of the 1991 Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience.

Fabio Mondico, chairman of the Italian Latina International Circus Festival, pointed out that the circus can only progress through mutual exchange of experience and comparison of ideas.

The cultures will improve each other, which is the impact of the circus festival and symposium, he proclaimed.

In the city of Latina, conferences, symposiums, exhibitions, coffee hours and other events take place along with the circus festival.

The circus needs to take nourishment from the city and comprehend social, cultural and historical change so as to mix them into its own performance. Only in this way can the circus follow the times and revere those old traditions, he stated.

Genis Matabosgh, chairman of the Figueres International Circus Festival in Spain, claimed that grand cultural events can improve a city's popularity, draw attention from the mass media and bring honor faster than a permanent cultural institution. It will also inject cultural energy, enhance the city image and help it go global, he asserted.

Vice Mayor Long Guangyan delivered speeches at the symposium.