Circus 'unites' Russo-Ukrainian performers

Ukrainian artist Valeri Tkach with Russian director Irina Archer

Circus performers from Ukraine and Russia have said “art and culture unite people”, as they refuse to let the ongoing conflict between their homelands divide them.

Circus Cortex is currently staging its Golden Age show at Stonham Barns, in Suffolk, with the final performance taking place on Monday evening.

The travelling cast is made up of entertainers from across the globe, including Ukraine and Russia, which are currently at war with each other.

Despite the fallout from the conflict, Ukrainian juggler and stick balancer, Valeri Tkach, said the cast is only focused on bringing people together.

Ukrainian juggler and stick balancer, Valeri Tkach, stars in the show

The 39-year-old, who was “wedged into” the circus after deciding to follow in his father’s footsteps, added: “This is not about politics.

“This is about our common creative goal to make people happy by absorbing that energy – it is priceless and you cannot buy it.

“You create and meet people and do these amazing projects and everybody is happy about what you do - and that makes you happy.”

Show director Irina Archer, 47, has been part of the circus for 25 years, having initially started out as a rhythmic gymnast in Russia.

Russian show director Irina Archer wants Suffolk families to flock to the show

Echoing Valeri, she said: “We have been operating for years now and we’ve always had Ukrainian artists and there still hasn’t been fallouts, so that tells you something.

“In the circus we class ourselves as having a ‘circus nationality’ because across the world we are one circus family.

“We all get on here and it doesn’t matter where you’re from, it doesn’t matter what language we speak. We’re here creating art - we’re not concentrating on politics.”

The show includes dance and music and also the more traditional elements you would expect to see at a circus.

Circus Cortex's Golden Age show takes place at Stonham Barns until Monday

Show director Irina Archer says she wants people to see that the circus is "something really cool and interesting for the whole family"

Irina has now urged the people of Suffolk to flock to the circus over the weekend to both enjoy the show and also help change the perceptions some may have of it.

“We want people to realise the circus is not a dirty word but actually something really cool and interesting for the whole family,” she added.

“Performers are happy when they perform to a full audience, so we want people to come and then go and tell their friends how amazing the show is.”