The Circus Charity Project
As you might know, here at The Circus we support a range of different organisations both here in Berlin and from around the world, shaped by the interests and experiences of our team. Over the years we have supported projects in Gambia, Kenya, Thailand, Djibouti, Russia, Lebanon, Peru, Brazil, Nepal and Mongolia, as well as social and integration projects in our home city.
The current charity project we are raising money for is the House of Good Tones in Srebrenica, Bosnia. 30 years on from the horrific events in the city, the House of Good Tones helps children and youth from the region have access to high-quality educational and cultural programmes, in a place where everyone is welcome regardless of background. This summer, our very own Jared Goldman travelled to Bosnia for the anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre to reflect on why we chose these partners and why the work is so important.
SREBRENICA – 30 YEARS ON
This summer I spent nearly six weeks in Bosnia, with most of my time in and around Srebrenica. It is a town that I have come to know well, a place of incredible potential but one that still feels suspended, as if in limbo born out of being burdened by a painful and unresolved past. When you are in the city, there is an emotional weight of that history that you can feel every single day.
One of the most powerful experiences I had during my time was to take part in the Peace March, a three-day walk that retraces the path taken by those fleeing to free territory in 1995. The walk was both physically and emotionally demanding. We faced heavy rain, steep slopes that were slick with mud, and sleepless nights. But we had food, water, medical support and members of the Red Cross walking with us.
We didn’t complain, because we knew that those who made the same walk 30 years ago, did so while enduring unimaginable suffering.
Each night, survivors from the walk joined us to share their stories. Among them was the last Imam of Srebrenica before the town fell, as well as a doctor who was one of the few women to complete the full 100-kilometre walk. On the third night we were joined by one of the youngest boys to survive the march. Listening to all of them talk, it was clear to see that the trauma of those times remains today.
By the time we reached the Potočari Memorial, where more than 8,000 men and boys are buried, we were all emotionally drained. As we entered the cemetery, survivors, family members and former soldiers greeted us with silence. They didn’t need to speak, for their eyes said everything. They saw us, and we saw them.
This year, The Circus wanted to honour the 30th anniversary of these events, and we searched long and hard for the right partner.
THE HOUSE OF GOOD TONES
While researching a potential partner I came across a documentary on post-conflict Bosnia that featured The House of Good Tones. I reached out to the director of the programme and things immediately clicked. The organisation felt like a truly grassroots, community-centred response to the challenges in the region, filled with creativity and hope.
Earlier in my visits to Bosnia this year I was at the House, invited in for lunch, coffee and peek into a rehearsal. They have an open-door policy for the community to stop by at any time, and they even have a few rooms for those interested in visiting overnight.
I’m so pleased and proud that The Circus is supporting The House of Good Tones, as it is a place that still carries the weight of history while building a space for critical thinking, creative expression and human connection. For young people in Srebrenica, it offers something to look forward to, something hopeful, productive and inspiring in a place that can often feel so dark.
I have been travelling to Bosnia for more than 15 years now. It is a beautiful country, full of emotion. I have been privileged to get to know the truly positive aspects of the country, while also digging deep into its history in order to bear witness to the long-lasting effects of war. The people have always welcomed me with genuine hospitality… and a cup of good coffee!
As with all my travels to the country, I left knowing that Bosnia will always have a special place in my heart and that I will return. The experience of the march and spending this time there with the people will never leave me, and I am so thankful that there are projects such as The House of Good Tones and I hope they will continue to get the support they need to do their important work.
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For more information on our charity and social projects, and to support with a donation, click here.