Through the lens of volunteer Tomás – Hors Cirque in Marseille (30 May – 6 June 2024)
Every March and September, CABUWAZI welcomes a new group of enthusiastic volunteers from around the world as part of the European Solidarity Corps. During their service at CABUWAZI they support our 6 circus locations across Berlin. These volunteers bring their diverse talents and enthusiasm, helping us strengthen our mission to offer a safe, inclusive space where young people can express themselves and grow through the art of circus.
Among our current volunteers is Tomás Sapia, who joined in March 2024 and contributed his skills in photography, videography, and writing to document several ESC projects, capturing the dedication and commitment of everyone involved, the vibrant spirit of our community, showcasing the diversity and creativity that define CABUWAZI. The documentations of Tomás spanned a variety of exciting events and projects, each offering a unique experience for our voluntering participants.
Read the about his impressions of a week in Marseille at the Hors Cirque seminar this summer:
“The project took place over a week in Marseille, France, at the Roudelet Felibren Provençal Cultural Center. The mission of Roudelet-Felibren is to preserve and defend everything related to Provence and its traditions that enrich the daily lives of its people.
Throughout the week, the project aimed to provide us with the opportunity to exchange knowledge and teaching methods, fostering meaningful connections. It was a week filled with sharing, learning, and understanding, not only through disciplines but also through cultures. What made this experience truly special was the diversity of the participants, who came from different countries and backgrounds. It was incredibly enriching to learn from so many disciplines, each with its own pedagogical approach and unique methodology.
My collaboration with the project was through photography. Through my camera, I tried to capture the unique expressions and moments that arose throughout the week, highlighting the best of each situation and each person. I am passionate about freezing those irretrievable instants and, in some way, preserving them forever. Every image I take seeks to tell a story, reflect the emotions experienced, and show the most authentic aspects of each moment. Being able to do this work, and also having the opportunity to travel while doing it, is something I love and for which I feel profoundly grateful.
Each night, we enjoyed homemade and authentic vegetarian meals prepared by the Roudelet-Felibren house, which included traditional French recipes. And as if that weren’t enough, we were also lucky enough to enjoy traditional dance performances from Marseille, which added a charming local touch to our evenings.
The workshops mainly took place at the cultural center, but one day we went for a picnic in a nearby park surrounded by lush greenery. It was a refreshing change of pace, allowing us to enjoy outdoor activities and strengthen bonds in a natural and serene environment.
During the week, we prepared for a grand finale: a public performance on the beaches of Marseille. It was the perfect culmination of everything we had learned and shared over the days, uniting talent, creativity, and community against the spectacular backdrop of the sea. It was not just a show; it was a celebration, a moment when we all came together to reflect on what had been an unforgettable experience. We spent that final day not only performing but also enjoying the sun, sand, and vibrant atmosphere of the beach, a truly spectacular way to close the project. Looking back, what resonates most with me is the opportunity to connect with so many talented people and learn from their different approaches, techniques, and cultural perspectives. It was fascinating to see how each person, shaped by their own experiences, contributed something unique to the project. The knowledge I gained, both practical and personal, is something I will carry with me long after the project has ended. And perhaps most importantly, I leave with new friendships and a network of incredible people, all united by our shared passion for creativity and learning.
This week was not only an opportunity for artistic growth but also a chance to deepen my understanding of the rich cultural heritage of France and how it intertwines with contemporary practices. I leave feeling inspired, humbled, and grateful for the experience, with a strong desire to continue learning from the talented individuals I had the privilege to meet.” – Tomás Sapia
