The initiative Gure Zirkua, according to its creators, has brought warmth and light to this small town. Although not the world's largest, most spectacular, or most crowded circus, its quality and intimacy have captivated audiences. Every year, they offer performances from town to town, and they sell out not just out of solidarity, but due to their remarkable artistic quality.
The initial surprise and astonishment remain vivid. When first seen, the circus spoke directly to the audience, using its own references and in Euskera. An incredible artistic level was evident, sparking the thought that it would be unrepeatable if any of the acrobats faltered. However, year after year, they prove that children discover and develop their skills, and that surprising artists unknown in the Basque Country are found.
The Gure Zirkua team has created a show capable of moving everyone from newborns to the elderly. Their goal is to speak to our solitary children, to make them dream and inspire them, not with unknown magical beings, but with skilled and dedicated people from Gasteiz, Ondarroa, Barakaldo, and Tolosa.
It is gratifying that our children believe and normalize that the world of circus also exists in Euskera. It is increasingly difficult for us to sustain fiction that could be lived in Euskera, both in entertainment and in daily life. This, at times, makes them feel the need to know Spanish.
A question often arises in health services: do we need a good professional or a Basque-speaking one? This question, which separates linguistic competence from professionalism, makes no sense in teaching, but could it be raised in other public services? Does external talent not limit the language barrier? Does talent that doesn't know the language not hinder surprise, emotion, or the health, care, and safety necessary in administration?
“"We don't have to choose between being good or being Basque-speaking [...]. Our Circus is an example. It's not good because it's Basque-speaking. But it is good, and it is Basque-speaking."
I believe we don't have to choose between being good or Basque-speaking, because many good people are Basque-speaking. Gure Zirkua is a clear example. It's not good because it's Basque-speaking, but it is good, and it is Basque-speaking. It originates from the border of the Basque Country, but its tent can house the world. The cables that hold it up are its invisible axis, in the center, like the fabrics and trapezes: Euskera.
