Every year, the SIDA staff team get together for a visit to the Edinburgh Fringe – this year, we chose to attend The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half, a circus performance from non-profit organisation The Palestinian Circus, who bring hope and connection to communities across Palestine through circus. They also partner with Medical Aid for Palestinians, who work for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees.
The show is a vibrant celebration of Palestinian music, dance and tenacity through human physicality, with voice over providing a moving comment on displacement, occupation and the power of hope.
The run of twenty shows – between 8th and 29th August – is taking place at the The Lafayette tent at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows in Edinburgh, at 2:05pm. The Scotsman was among many reviews to award the show five stars, saying:
“Circus is ultimately a craft predicated on trust and care; the performers of The Palestinian Circus take these fundamental building blocks and integrate them in every aspect of the show’s runtime, from set up to final bows. In doing so, The Palestinian Circus: A Step and a Half stages joy, resilience and hope as the ultimate acts of defiance, with an energy that is intoxicating to watch.”
It’s fair to say the SIDA team wholeheartedly agree!