Circus artistes seek govt help to revive industry
TNN -- INDIA
Apr 20, 2013
PUNE: Lack of open spaces in cities, rising cost of diesel and dwindling viewer interest are some of the many problems the circus industry is facing today.
Once a huge crowd-puller, the live circus is now a floundering industry in India - a far cry from the grandeur it once enjoyed.
Sujit Dilip, co-partner of Rambo International, the organizers of Rambo Circus, on Friday urged the government to help revive the industry. "The circus is going through a lot of problems. It is difficult to find public grounds in central parts of the city these days and the private ones are very expensive. With rising diesel prices, it is getting difficult to manage costs, but we also need to keep tickets affordable. Moreover, with children of circus families being brought under the purview of child labour, it is difficult to train them for the future. We also request the government to allow animals to return to the circus under special guidelines," he said.
The industry is doing well in the UK, US and Russia because of the subsidies being provided by the governments there. "Circus as an industry is being promoted internationally. Why can't the same happen in India too," he asked.
Meanwhile, artists from Rambo Circus have been invited to perform in eight special shows at Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai on April 20 and 21. Prithvi, known for its experimental theatre, first hosted Rambo Circus in 2012 and has decided to continue the association.
"Shashi Kapoor and Sanjana Kapoor had seen one of our shows last year. When they heard of our constraints, they offered their theatre to host the circus. This year too we have been coordinating with Kunal Kapoor and will perform for audiences there," Dilip said.
Rambo Circus will be hosting two shows daily at Pune's SSPMS Grounds, near RTO, from April 21.
With more than 30 acts, the line-up includes an acrobat performing somersaults on a Columbian wheel, flying trapeze, hat juggling, balancing on swords, pyramids, elephant cricket and a dog show. Travelling with its own band, smoke machine and laser lights, the fully-airconditioned circus is expected to be in Pune till the first week of June.
Dilip also said more than 150 artists, including those from Columbia, Ethiopia and Nepal, besides 200 staffers, like veterinarians, tailors, carpenters, animal trainers, ironsmiths and caterers, make up their troupe. Animal performers include elephants, dogs and parrots. Six clowns will also be decked up to entertain kids.
TNN -- INDIA
Apr 20, 2013
PUNE: Lack of open spaces in cities, rising cost of diesel and dwindling viewer interest are some of the many problems the circus industry is facing today.
Once a huge crowd-puller, the live circus is now a floundering industry in India - a far cry from the grandeur it once enjoyed.
Sujit Dilip, co-partner of Rambo International, the organizers of Rambo Circus, on Friday urged the government to help revive the industry. "The circus is going through a lot of problems. It is difficult to find public grounds in central parts of the city these days and the private ones are very expensive. With rising diesel prices, it is getting difficult to manage costs, but we also need to keep tickets affordable. Moreover, with children of circus families being brought under the purview of child labour, it is difficult to train them for the future. We also request the government to allow animals to return to the circus under special guidelines," he said.
The industry is doing well in the UK, US and Russia because of the subsidies being provided by the governments there. "Circus as an industry is being promoted internationally. Why can't the same happen in India too," he asked.
Meanwhile, artists from Rambo Circus have been invited to perform in eight special shows at Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai on April 20 and 21. Prithvi, known for its experimental theatre, first hosted Rambo Circus in 2012 and has decided to continue the association.
"Shashi Kapoor and Sanjana Kapoor had seen one of our shows last year. When they heard of our constraints, they offered their theatre to host the circus. This year too we have been coordinating with Kunal Kapoor and will perform for audiences there," Dilip said.
Rambo Circus will be hosting two shows daily at Pune's SSPMS Grounds, near RTO, from April 21.
With more than 30 acts, the line-up includes an acrobat performing somersaults on a Columbian wheel, flying trapeze, hat juggling, balancing on swords, pyramids, elephant cricket and a dog show. Travelling with its own band, smoke machine and laser lights, the fully-airconditioned circus is expected to be in Pune till the first week of June.
Dilip also said more than 150 artists, including those from Columbia, Ethiopia and Nepal, besides 200 staffers, like veterinarians, tailors, carpenters, animal trainers, ironsmiths and caterers, make up their troupe. Animal performers include elephants, dogs and parrots. Six clowns will also be decked up to entertain kids.
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