Christopher James
A magical space to be.
It is an absolute honour to create spaces of beauty wherever we go. As I have set up marquees hundreds of times over the past few years, I somehow do not get sick of it due to the mystical beauty they create. Every space is new and every place makes a marquee different. From the clay, sand or gravel in the ground to the shape of the trees and the shift of contour in the earth; every set up is completely new. More than that, it is the experience of watching hundreds and thousands of people at festivals and events feel the magic of life under them as they connect to their community. As musicians play, artists recite poetry and audiences feel safe and warm out of the wind and rain or shaded away from the sun, stretch marquees are a place for everyone.
As a circus performer, dancer, singer, musician, actor and trainer adding the set up and management of temporary structures was the perfect next skill to add to my bow. I believe in the healing powers of being amongst community and holding space for people to become their best. The only way to do that is to break away from the normal rhythm of each day for a moment and through celebration, fun and laughter; when the serotonin levels are up, can we discover our true path and purpose on this earth. As you can see, this important work is far more than just setting up stretch tents for me, it is about holding space for the spirit of life to run freshly through all humanity.