Marcelo Matta — Meet the Graduate 2021
As the circus industry comes back to life, a new class of graduates flexes its muscles. These bright artists have tolerated higher than usual levels of uncertainty and have done so with grace. With this in mind, CircusTalk is excited to present the 2021 “Meet the Graduate” series and honor all the artists’ hard work and the completion of their final year of circus school. Introducing Marcelo Matta, Ècole de Cirque de Québec graduate and juggler.
Marcelo Matta was born in the outskirts of Santiago, Chile. From a very young age, his curiosity for the world stood out. Fascinated by music, Marcelo dedicated himself to learning how to play the guitar. His passion for music would go on to greatly inform his circus career. At the same time he discovered juggling, and practiced both his passions in the streets of his hometown. Music and juggling allowed Marcelo to express himself, and gave him a vehicle to pursue his identity. These two creative outlets piqued his interest and drove him to dive deeper into the world of entertainment. Marcelo went on to travel throughout Chile and the rest of South America, developing a life as both an artist and teacher. Shortly after, he was inspired to craft a life as a circus student.
Marcelo’s journey led him to Quebec, where he auditioned for a spot at École de Cirque de Québec and dedicated himself to four years of professional training. There, he specialized in juggling and Cyr wheel. Marcelo blends these acts with dance, creating a “moving poetry” that he says allows him to communicate and connect with his audiences through collective sensations.
While fulfilling, Marcelo’s circus journey has been filled with hurdles. When he arrived in Quebec in 2017 he was immersed in a completely different culture, one where he did not speak the language. At the beginning, life in Quebec was daunting and Marcelo struggled to express himself. With time, effort, and French classes, Marcelo adjusted to life in Montreal. On his time at École, Marcelo says, “The school is an amazing space to spend every day doing what you love. 4 years of my life time there, I have seen people next to me grow and see yourself also in the mirror and look back and say, I am a better person and a professional artist now, for that I am very grateful.” Marcelo’s circus journey has been marked by personal expression, physical poetry, and human connection. His life at École allowed him to grow into a professional circus artist, with all the skill and talents that go along with that title.
When asked about his plans for the future, Marcelo says, “Keep chasing, keep training here in Quebec, been around and been ready for the opportunity to be on stage, always creating new pieces of juggling acts and wheel as well. Now that the school is done I will have more time for composing music and start thinking in my new musical projects to impulse my other artistic side, for later on use them both on stage.”
Marcelo composed the music for his 2020 juggling act at École de Cirque de Québec.
Main image courtesy of Mario Mayes.
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