THE BALLOON MAN

When circus meets drama

 

from:  thehimalayantimes.com
2013-06-27
HNS
KATHMANDU: Unlike traditional circuses where there used to be clowns, trained animals and ropewalkers, contemporary circus is different in its presentation style and performances.

And on June 26, 13 young performers from Circus Kathmandu, showcased their skills to entertain people through contemporary circus.

They presented a piece of act Swagatam — directed by Paul Evans, a gymnast and a circus trainer — at Bulls Club, Nakkhu. Evans presented this piece in quite a different way with a merging of theatre and circus.

As such one could witness both the acting and circus performances.

The entire performance was more like a drama — there were conversations, action, fashion show and seemed to tell a story.

And within this drama-like-piece, these talented performers showcased various acts of circus — human pyramid formation, well-synchronised dance with hula-hoops, body contortions, and acrobatics with a silk cloth and a hoop hung from the roof. While there were juggling and aerial acts on silks and hoops, they displayed ground-based acts like hula-hoop, juggling of broom and acrobatics.

The audience seemed to be thrilled to watch this spellbinding performance of young talents “that was specially choreographed for Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom and was slated to be showcased on June 26”, as per Ali Williams Creative Director of Circus Kathmandu. “But due to problems in visas, the troop could not land there. So, we wanted to show that piece of work here,” he informed.

All the performers of this show have been rescued from Indian circuses. And when asked about the reason for making them work in a circus again even after rescuing them, Evans explained, “It’s their choice. Since they know circus well and it has become a part of their lives, they do not want to leave it. It’s better to perform in your own country rather than being a victim of violence in India.”

Kathmandu Circus in partnership with Sano Paila — a Birgunj based NGO working against anti- trafficking and anti drug and rehabilitation — had organised the show.