The intervention of the two SCT Centre operators, Manuela Pietraforte and Francesca Longo, concluded on July 20, 2017, with a large community celebration in the Bentiu refugee camp.
The project unfolded in three phases: mapping the activities organized by the Nuer community of the camp and identifying the refugee groups to work with; carrying out Social Theatre activities with these groups; organizing a Community event with the groups involved in the TSC activities.
The second phase saw the realization of a training for the local IOM staff, some workshops for youth groups and a circus workshop open to everyone, which the two operators describe as follows:
“Bringing the magic of the circus to a people who don’t even know the concept was a moving experience: we attached an aerial fabric to a tree branch and after showing a few figures, we invited the young people to try some simple elements, obviously with our assistance. Many climbed onto the equipment, putting themselves to the test without any fear. Everyone was surprised by the language of the circus’s wonder, never seen before”
The final event involved the community in a long parade through the Bentiu refugee camp, with several stops where various performances were held: traditional dances, songs, African music. These were prepared by the artistic groups led by the users of the TSC workshops. The parade attracted and involved a large number of people, about 1000.
Here is the testimony of Manuela Pietraforte and Francesca Longo:
“At the arrival point, we made our counter-gift to the community that so generously offered their performances: we lit our juggling equipment with fire and we attached the aerial fabric to the tree, so that the circus could live one last time in the streets of the Bentiu camp. It was wonderful. In the end, we just had to thank and say goodbye. And to take leave of an experience that gave and took so much from us, in terms of energy, mind, and heart: we will never forget it”
