Colombian soldiers became jugglers, magicians, trapeze artists, and clowns, bringing joy and entertainment to Central Colombia.
Circo Colombia is a circus created nearly 20 years ago by the 13th Brigade of the Colombian army. The circus aims to restore the Colombian army’s image, which has been tainted by scandals of corruption and extrajudicial killings.
Approximately 17 soldiers, both retired and active, are currently performing in remote villages in Central Colombia. The most recent performance took place in Tiribita, a village of 3000 people who experienced another side of the Colombian Army.
Although the soldiers are amateur performers, soldiers won villagers’ hearts through their performances. Leonardo Santamaria, a retired soldier rejoining the army as a trapeze artists, fell off a five meter high wire. The accident did not get in the way of the applause. ”We are not professional performers” Santamaria told AFP news agency.
Soldiers seem to delight in this role within the army. They train hard for the show and take their parts seriously. Daniel Borja, who is a clown, and reportedly one of the main attractions of the circus, confessed ”Circus is my life”.
The army’s initiative to bring peace, joy and entertainment through performance is well received by the audience. An audience member told Imagen Poblana newspaper ”The soldiers are very nice. I like their kindness and attention.”
Sources
- Colombian soldiers clown around in roving circus ( World News Report)
- El Ejército Nacional muestra en Tibirita su cara amable ( Tibirita City Hall Official page)
- Militares en Colombia cambian la guerra por la magia del circo (Imagen Poblana)