Rise

A dystopian creation featuring artists from Switzerland and Lebanon

In a future world where fiction seems to blend strangely with reality, an unexpected event will shake up the established order. Through a butterfly effect, a soul with contagious courage will enable each person to rediscover their full potential and rise up…

Artists from the Cirquenciel school in Beirut, Cirque Zôfy (VS) and Cie Cirqu’en Choc (VS) come together on the altitude stage of the Cirqu’au Sommet festival for a poetic and committed creation.

In 2021, as part of an artistic exchange supported by Pro Helvetia and the Canton of Valais, Tania Simili and Estelle Borel from the Cirqu’en Choc company spent a month in Lebanon, where they conducted a research laboratory at Hammana Artist House and then discovered the Cirquenciel social circus. In this Beirut-based organization, circus as a tool for social connection takes on its full meaning in this country in crisis. At Cirquenciel, circus arts are taught free of charge in a space of mutual aid and social cohesion for all audiences.

Responding to an invitation from Cirque au Sommet, following this trip, they will stage performances featuring young Swiss and Lebanese artists. This is a unique opportunity to build bridges between these two countries and enable around twenty people to enjoy an enriching exchange around the circus.

Duration: 1 hour

August 12 and 13, 2022 – Altitude Stage – Cirque au Sommet Festival

Cast

On stage from Lebanon:

Fadia Tannir, Hanadi Rajeh, Isabelle Khalil, Joshua Andre Mazo, Tracy Madi, Cathrina Ighnatious, Sara Bathiche, Rami Geith, Rose Abou Elias, Sherine Kefrawi, Reem Taha, Clément Doumit

On stage from Switzerland:

Gil Thuégaz, Théo Bollin, Manon Fellay, Elia Wehrli, Aleyna Alimli-Flückiger, Alicia Michaud, Wendy Bender, Rose Farquet, Malko Millier

Staged by: Tania Simili and Estelle Samira Borel