Cirque Amar plans new Algeria tour

[Al-khiyal]

Cirque Amar plans new Algeria tour

November 3, 2010 -- Cirque Amar has been performing in Algeria for years and has established a unique relationship with the Algerian audience. Magharebia sat down with its adjunct director Isabelle Gilier in Algiers to discuss the deep-rooted circus tradition in Algeria as well as a special enthusiasm Algerians have for live performance.

Magharebia: Il Florilegio has been pitching its tent in Algeria since 2003, at a time when the country had strong connotations with terrorism. Weren't you worried about coming here? How did you find the situation?

Isabelle Gilier: When we first came to Algeria, we were a little worried, but our fears dissipated and we quickly started feeling comfortable. We found the situation much less dramatic than what was portrayed in the European media.

Magharebia: In Algeria you are known as "Cirque Amar". Is this just an historical reference to the famous Algerian circus of the late 1800s, or is there a genuine connection?

Isabelle Gilier: We adopted the "Cirque Amar" label in 2006, and it's an historical reference. During our tours in Algeria, we noticed a renewed interest in the great circus tradition. Many Algerians are familiar with the name Amar and know that he is related to circus. Although there are no more Amars in the circus business, the commercial name is still alive and popular in Algeria as well as France.

Magharebia: Did you have any problems when you first came over?

Isabelle Gilier: We had no real issues with the Algerian administration. On the contrary, we were rather well received and got support from the Ministry of Culture.

Magharebia: Although Algerians have almost forgotten what a real circus is, were your shows well received?

Isabelle Gilier: An Algerian audience is very friendly and responsive; they love the circus. In many states we toured, we had terrific audiences. People appreciate a live family spectacle rather than a television show. The circus has become a major entertainment event in Algeria

Magharebia: Your circus is coming back to Algeria for a new tour. What will be different this time?

Isabelle Gilier: We have added two aquatic acts. A few days ago, we brought a couple of sea lions and we are waiting for new performers from Ukraine. We also have some novel features with the fountains. We are looking forward to performing.

Magharebia: You are scheduled to perform in the southern towns of Algeria, do you have any concerns?

Isabelle Gilier: Apart from the few usual complications related to the animals, especially the sea lions and hippopotamus, we have not had any problems and don't foresee any in the future.

Magharebia: You had plans to create a circus school or at least a training programme in Algeria. Did you have a real impact on young Maghrebi people in general?

Isabelle Gilier: The plan to set up a circus school is still very much alive, and discussions are under way with the Ministry of Culture. During our tours, we trained a number of young people in circus skills, for example the crocodile tamer is Algerian. We also had an Algerian clown for a long time, as well as acrobats. We have had Algerian employees in our administrative and customer service departments. None of them had any experience when they joined our team, but a great desire to learn.

Magharebia: Any other plans in the pipeline?

Isabelle Gilier: We love the Algerian audience because we feel appreciated when we perform; we constantly strive to create new ideas that will please our fans.

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Le cirque Amar est de retour en Algérie

Mardi 9 Novembre 2010 -- Le cirque Amar ou Il Florilegio se trouve en Algérie après deux ans d'absence pour une tournée dans une vingtaine de wilayas et qui sera marquée, cette fois-ci, par un nouveau spectacle sur le thème de l'eau, a indiqué mardi à Alger la directrice-adjointe du cirque Mme Isabelle Gillier. Dans le cadre de cette tournée, qui a déjà commencé en septembre à l'est du pays, à savoir Skikda, El-Tarf, Souk Ahras et actuellement à Oum El-Bouaghi, le cirque sera à Alger en avril prochain, a expliqué Mme Gillier lors d'une conférence de presse. Cet événement, qui est à sa quatrième édition en Algérie, sera marqué par un nouveau show "complètement inédit" sur le thème de l'eau et qui comprendra, en outre, un spectacle d'otaries qui ont intégré récemment la grande famille du cirque.

Sous un chapiteau de 1.500 places, qui constitue un véritable théâtre ambulant et avec un prix qui variera entre 600 et 1.000 DA, le grand public algérien et spécialement les enfants pourront admirer, en deux heures entières, les numéros spectaculaires donnés par les funambules "motocyclistes de la mort", les clowns, les magiciens et les acrobates chinois qui réaliseront un spectacle mano à mano. En plus des grands classiques et pour le grand bonheur des petits, des spectacles d'animaux sont également au menu, tels que les fauves, les crocodiles, les zèbres ainsi que les nouvelles stars de cette édition, les otaries. "Notre présence en Algérie, pour la quatrième fois, est un gage de confiance" a estimé Isabelle Gillier, ajoutant que ce retour intervient après une tournée "triomphale" en Syrie et au Liban.