Today we’d like to introduce you to Sintayehu Fantaya Samuael Berhane.
Hi Sintayehu Fantaya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My partner, Samuael Berhane, and I, Sintayehu Fantaya , were born and raised in Ethiopia. Our parents recognized the challenges of urban life and enrolled us in circus school alongside our regular education to keep us engaged and away from the streets. Little did we know that this was just the beginning of our circus adventure.
As we honed our skills, we realized that we had the potential for a professional career in circus arts. In 2015, we received our first international contract in Egypt. It was a significant step for us; especially for Samuael, who was quite young at the time. Leaving home was tough, but it set us on an extraordinary path.
While working in Egypt, we were thrilled to land our first contract with Cirque du Soleil performing in “JOYÀ,” their residence show in Riviera Maya, Mexico. We performed at JOYÀ from 2016 to 2021 and it was a dream come true—one that felt surreal until we stepped on stage for that first performance.
Our journey didn’t stop there. After “JOYÀ,” we had the incredible opportunity to work on “Messi” by Cirque du Soleil in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for nearly two months. Most recently, at the end of 2022, we joined “Drawn to Life,” further solidifying our place within this esteemed company.
The opportunities we’ve been given have dramatically changed our lives. We can now support our families and live more comfortably than ever before—all thanks to the skills and experiences we’ve gained through circus arts.
We are deeply grateful for every moment that has brought us here and continue striving towards excellence as artists.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been an easy road, filled with countless training hours, injuries, and the challenge of adapting to a new culture and society.
One of the hardest aspects has undoubtedly been being away from our families at such a young age. It’s a sacrifice that weighs heavily on us all as we strive to grow and improve in what we are doing. Despite these challenges, we have continued to work hard and remain committed without giving up.
These moments may not be easy, but they are shaping us into stronger individuals and better professionals. I believe that our resilience will ultimately lead us to success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are excited to share with you a captivating art form known as the Icarian Game, which we specialize in. This incredible discipline combines partnered acrobatics with elements of foot juggling, creating a stunning visual experience that leaves audiences in awe.
We take immense pride in being the first Ethiopian performers to join Cirque du Soleil shows, paving the way for fellow Ethiopian circus artists. Our journey has been marked by hard work and dedication, allowing us to reach remarkable heights in our craft. We are committed to maintaining our professionalism and adaptability in various environments while continuously striving for excellence.
That sets us apart from others. Our goal is not only to showcase our skills but also to inspire and open doors for others within the circus community.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We want to take a moment to highlight the incredible support we receive from every corner of our organization. Our collaboration with coaches, the artistic director, PMED, and management teams plays a crucial role in our success.
Whenever we embark on new initiatives or face challenges in completing sequences, it’s reassuring to know that our coaches are always there to guide us. Their insights help us refine our skills and push past any obstacles we encounter.
Moreover, working closely with our artistic director is vital for the development of the show and our characters. This collaboration ensures that we deliver performances that resonate with our audience and meet the highest standards of excellence.
It’s important to recognize that this support extends beyond just one department; every team contributes significantly to the overall success of our production.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sami_lala_eth?igsh=dHoxZ3oxYmg2cnNy
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sami-lala?si=10Tl1i58ToXG0eHW
Image Credits
Cirque du Soleil
