Komonò: a circus school in Gironde

In high school, I discovered a passion for juggling . While traveling around the world, I started doing shows with my sidekick Flako , then little by little developing transversal skills (writing, acting, etc.). But technically, the Komonò teaching team is versatile , even if everyone has their own specialties. Céline in particular is an atypical circus artist in the sense that she excels in all disciplines.

Welcoming and caring, our goal is for everyone to feel at home and able to express themselves in their own way. The strength of the collective is central to this, and this is felt in the performances.

Further develop EAC ( Artistic and Cultural Education) projects, particularly for the most vulnerable and vulnerable. Benefit from budgets for residencies and to perpetuate the Festival . Perhaps create a new event. Perhaps support young companies by accompanying them in production and distribution. In short, many projects are being considered, and it's very stimulating!

By integrating into a dynamic but non-competitive collective, with a common objective: performance . Circus practice also allows for a better understanding of risks (we learn parades in particular) and encourages listening , cooperation and concentration . Finally, it stimulates creativity and self-confidence through understanding the stage.

I think it's the diversity of the Collective's areas of work that sets us apart. Indeed, the whole thing creates a virtuous circle for the circus school, with each area responding to and complementing the other. Thus, many bridges between professional and amateur practice are emerging, for example, with masterclasses led by the artists hosted in residence and intended for our students. Some of the most involved young people also have the opportunity to perform at the Teste à Têtes festival that we organize every year on the school grounds. Furthermore, we are very sensitive to access to culture and the practice of circus for all audiences , especially those who are furthest from it. In this sense, we have initiated several EAC actions, many of which have a social component (a project with the MNA of Camina, another with the disabled adults of the FO-FAM , circus workshops at the Gradignan remand center , with young people from the MECS or those from Sésame Autisme or the Charles Perrens Biganos day hospital ).

There have been quite a few, but perhaps the 2020 edition of the Teste à Têtes Festival . We were in the middle of a health crisis. It was really difficult to position ourselves and plan ahead. Despite the context, we decided to try to maintain a special edition. To do this, we made some adjustments, we negotiated a lot with the town hall, then we wrote a solid health protocol that we sent to the prefecture. For three weeks, we didn't hear anything. We carried on as if nothing had happened. For this edition, and in order to limit the risks, we had planned not to offer catering, but to invite the public to come with their picnic. The press wrote articles about it. The Prefecture concluded that we were planning a giant picnic. On the morning of the first day, they called us to tell us that the Festival was canceled. We were careful, but there were 40 of us on site. Everything was ready. We negotiated hard with the prefecture, we explained to them that the press had not relayed the right information and that we had planned neither a party nor a giant aperitif. Finally, at 5 p.m., they told us that picnics were forbidden within the festival grounds (but that people could picnic in the forest 10 m away!!!) and that we could open. An hour later, the festival began. It was a bit crazy, the simple fact of organizing a small festival that year gave the impression of carrying out an act of militancy . In the end, it went perfectly. There was a great atmosphere, people really needed to get together, to see shows, to take a break... and as far as we know, there was no contamination...

Covid was a big challenge. We were lucky to have started the project a little before it began. We were already structured and somewhat recognized in the area and then we fought. We managed to maintain a lot of activities and keep in touch with our students . Apart from that, on a daily basis, we have to succeed in working with the communities while maintaining our identity. Even if it's not always easy, so far we haven't tired of this adventure. We get along well, the collective is solid , we're all moving in the same direction.

In 2023, we welcomed La Tendresse du Gravier , Carnage production , Cie Patua , Cirque Graphique , Cie Kyem and it is likely that we will welcome Cirque Lambda . We do this without a budget, because we think it is important to support creation. It often allows for great encounters. There are artists that we started to welcome in residences and that we now consider as great friends: La Cie ZeC or the Collectif Kaboum for example.

This can be done in several ways, circus arts are always a fun way to create bonds and cohesion in a group . We adapt to the needs and desires of the companies that come to see us, for example we have already carried out circus olympiads , airtrack acrobatics workshops , multidisciplinary workshops . We can also provide a work space in the yurt with furniture and screen, and offer a culinary service. In short, we adapt to any request to create a unique and friendly moment .

For years, my partner and friend Flako and I toured with a show called "Se Cayò!" When an object fell, the audience had to shout: " Oh Se Cayò! " This helped to desacralize the fall . With our students, we try above all to put them in a situation of success , to value them, to reassure them, to compliment them. Even if we want them to offer qualitative things, the main objective is above all that they flourish through the circus .

Because you can be whoever you want , without filters. We strive to support everyone in their desire, whether it is to become a professional in the discipline, to shine on stage or just to have a good time .

Teste à Têtes is 3 days of shows , entertainment and interludes that mix circus and street theater . It is also a dive into an offbeat universe, thanks to an original scenography that nourishes and supports the artistic message. The goal is that everyone finds their place! The program of frontal shows is deliberately airy to leave room for storytellers, actors, puppeteers, jugglers, musicians, and other embellishers of life who enchant the forest for a weekend. This year it will be September 8, 9 and 10, 2023!