Circus With a Purpose

Reading and discussion led by Jennifer Dempsey
Wednesday, June 24, 6:30 p.m. at The Book Haven in Salida

Circus WAVE is coming to Salida in July 2009, and as a prelude Jennifer Dempsey, director of the Salida Circus and founder of Circus WAVE (Widows Against Violence, Northern Ireland), will read some essays, articles, and stories drawn from her 12 years of working with the circus in Northern Ireland. This will be an informal event with open discussion, and refreshments of course! Selected books will also be available for purchase.

14 members of Northern Ireland's Circus WAVE will be visiting Salida from June - July 13. Ranging in age from 11 to 24, the Circus WAVE members will stay with host families from the Salida Circus and participate in circus and cultural activities, including the Fourth of July parade, hiking, rafting, camping, hot springs, etc.

Circus WAVE was founded in 1999 by Jennifer Dempsey, then tutor/performer with the Belfast Commiunity Circus. Along with other art therapy methods, Circus WAVE was established to raise self-esteem, trust and a sense of community for its young members.

The WAVE Trauma Centre offers care and support to anyone bereaved or traumatised by the troubles in Ireland, irrespective of religious, cultural or political belief. WAVE promotes a respect for life and an understanding of difference that is seen as enhancing rather than threatening. It affirms and acknowledges that there are ways of resolving difference other than through the use of violence and continually seeks creative ways of working through issues that have the potential to divide.