BY LEULSEGED WORKU
Ethiopia is a land boasting a multitude of awe-inspiring tourist attractions whose magnetic pulls are hard to resist. In a show of a hot streak nothing devoid of a miracle, it is also a place where several invincible athletes and talented youths time and again promote their country in the global arena hovering high its flag. Wondessen Shimeles is among these talented-circus-performer youths who represented Ethiopia in several global arenas. Currently, he is performing circus in “Cirque du Soleil” which is one of the global greatest contemporary circus producers in Lasvegas.
Wondessen was born and raised in Addis Ababa in a place called Addisu Gebeya. As a young boy he had been through several harrowing life struggles. However, dauntless by nature, he never gives up his hands to all forms of life discouragements. As a talented circus performer and ambitious young Ethiopian, he always harbored a dream of making a sought-after professional circus performer out of himself. He actualized his dream.
Wondessen joined the world of circus when the art took control of his heart at an early age. In those eye-opener moments Wondessen was leading a hand-to-mouth life. But his economic constraint did not deter him from exploiting every opportunity to nurture his talent, hone his skills and pursue his call. “When I was taking circus training I used to work as a laborer and later as a machine operator. But, I never thought, even for a fraction of a second, to relinquish my dream of becoming a professional gymnast.” That is why Wondessen always performed in the circus grabbing every opportunity that presented itself. This hobby put down roots in his heart of hearts and led Wondessen to reach his goal of becoming one of the iconic figures in Cirque du Soleil`s Icarian Games.
According to him, performing in Cirque du Soleil`s arenas in Lasvegas does not only task talent alone but also needs commitment and passion. “I consider working with this Company as a great privilege. Las Vegas has a reputation as the Entertainment Capital of the World, with world class shows that will make any audience member’s jaw drop. Cirque du Soleil show- in which I am currently involved in- is among these special entertainment places.”
For Wondessen, circus is not simply an entertainment; it is also a philosophy that reflects the hurdles of life and the need to be consistent on one`s vision. “Circus is not only an art for me but also a philosophy. Whenever one performs in a circus s/he does things which seem incredible. Whenever one performs in a circus s/he is taking a risk. Obviously, this is a life lesson to the likes of me. This is what I witnessed in the walk of life I chose and dared to pursue. While performing in the circus one learns the art of endurance, discipline and ‘I can do it’ mentality. Circus is not all about having a strong and flexible body. Circus is also about multidisciplinary art where both mind and body function in synchronicity.”
There is no free lunch in life. For me, the circus is a bitter-sweet lesson to learn more about life. Several challenges accompany our ephemeral existence. Perseverance is the only way to overcome those hurdles. One has to work hard to get what s/he needs.
Without excessive training there is no circus art; without passion it is impossible to entertain others. Without taking risks there is no performance. Circus is all about commitment, endurance and persistence. It needs limitless exercises, discipline and passion.”
“Circus is an inspiration to do what is impossible and an opportunity for talented youths like me. When I started performing in the circus in Ethiopia, I was broke to buy training outfits or to pay for the training. I even was a daily laborer at the time to win a daily bread. It was passion and commitment that lent me a springboard to catapult to the level I’m displaying now. Currently, I am working for Cirque du Soleil, an entertainment company and the largest contemporary circus producer in the world.”
According to Wondessen, despite its potential to promote Ethiopia in the global arena and to showcase Ethiopian youths’ talent on international stages, here, circus has not yet garnered due attention. Besides its entertainment values, circus has also a great potential to create peaceful and disciplined youths that can properly tap their mind and body for creativity purposes. Circus is used by developed countries not only as a means of entertainment but also as a manifestation of their greatness. As Ethiopian famous runners are emblematic and instrumental in promoting Ethiopia, developed nations are also using distinguished circus performers to show to the world their level of greatness.
When asked to what extent he has promoted Ethiopia in other parts of the world/country using circus performance, Wondessen said, “Every Ethiopian athlete is an ambassador to his/her country. As a circus performer I consider myself representative of Ethiopia. I never cease promoting Ethiopia and its beautiful landscapes and tourist attractions. Foreigners have a great interest to know more about Ethiopia. This affords me a source of courage to speak about my country”
Winding up the interview this journalist asked Wondessen what formidable challenges he had experienced in Ethiopia while performing in the circus. “As it is true of most Ethiopian youths, lack of acceptance from my family members, who like fellow citizens brush aside circus as the indulgency of idlers as such something trivial, was a serious challenge for me. At that moment when the circus was only considered a luxurious pass time of the indolent my families were not wrong seeing it with raised eyebrows as a time wasting activity instead of as a challenge-and-adventure -charged profession that could promise a handsome return if inexorably pursued. Despite the hurdles I faced, because of my commitment circus has now become my livelihood.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 10 MAY 2023
