Chess-themed show is Circus Flora's next move
Circus Flora Trainer and equestrian Lisa Dufresne (foreground) and her assistant Rachel Bennett rehearses the Liberty Show with miniature stallions on Wednesday, May, 22, 2013. The 27th Circus Flora, "A Trip to the Moon," is located behind Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center and continues through June 23rd. Tickets can be purchased at www.circusflora.org, through Metrotix or on location at the box office. Photo by Christian Gooden,
From:post-dispatch.com
By Calvin Wilson
Feb 28, 2014
Circus Flora, the one-ring circus in Grand Center, returns on May 29 with a new production called "The Pawn.'
According to a press release, the chess-themed show is "steeped in the rich sights, sounds and mystique of ancient Persia and India." Circus Flora has partnered with the World Chess Hall of Fame and the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis in bringing the show to life.
As with past productions, "The Pawn" will feature a cast of internationally known performers. New attractions include Andriy Bilobrov and his five Jack Russell terriers; bareback rider S. Caleb Carinci-Asch; jugglers Duo Kate & Pasi; and blue-eyed camels from the Canary Islands.
The circus opens on May 29 and will continue through June 22 under the big top next to Powell Hall. Single tickets start at $12 and go on sale Monday; group tickets are available now. For more information, call 314-289-4040 or visit circusflora.org.
Circus Vargas returns to Promenade Temecula with new acts, family entertainment for all
Matti and Jont! (courtesy) Circus Vargas
Circus Vargas returns to the City of Temecula March 6 – 17, 2014 and will be celebrating local heroes of Temecula on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
The celebrated heroes will include Temecula City Council members, Temecula Community Services Commissioners, Southwest Riverside County Autism Task Force, Our Nicholas Foundation, and others.
Magickaria!
(courtesy) Circus Vargas
Circus Vargas has performed its Big Top style circus for Temecula in previous years and enjoys giving back to the communities they perform in by honoring community heroes. Circus Vargas representative, Rolanda Kaiser, is committed to creating a close and collaborative relationship with the City of Temecula. Reported through Temecula Outreach, “ Ms. Kaiser randomly contacted Temecula Council member Mike Naggar, who coincidentally recognized her last name as the name of someone he knew a long time ago
Circus Vargas also invites all youth with special needs and their families to attend a matinee show.
World-famous Circus Vargas has taken their family-oriented show on the road for 45 years performing for rock stars, movie directors, actresses, and more.
Magickaria! (courtesy) Circus Vargas
Circus Vargas has performed its Big Top style circus for Temecula in previous years and enjoys giving back to the communities they perform in by honoring community heroes. Circus Vargas representative, Rolanda Kaiser, is committed to creating a close and collaborative relationship with the City of Temecula. Reported through Temecula Outreach, “ Ms. Kaiser randomly contacted Temecula Council member Mike Naggar, who coincidentally recognized her last name as the name of someone he knew a long time ago
Micheael Ferreri Juggling
(courtesy) Circus Vargas
Please join the City of Temecula in honoring these community members.
Magic at Circus Vargas
(courtesy) Circus Vargas
Per Naggar, “The Kaisers have been involved with the Circus for many years. Her father, Roland Kaiser, was the Concessions Manager for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, in the 1970’s. While working there, Roland Kaiser hired a 15-year-old Mike Naggar to work in concessions and travel with the circus selling toys. Mr. Kaiser later became Concessions Manager for Circus Vargas and in 1989 became co-owner. Years later, Mike Naggar visited Roland Kaiser at a Circus Vargas performance in San Diego to thank him for the wonderful memories of working for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Because of this shared connection to the Circus and their involvement in the special needs community, Mike suggested that Circus Vargas honor our heroes of the special needs community in Temecula on Circus Vargas’ Opening Night.”
Visit: Circus Vargas website for event times and details at http://www.circusvargas.org.
Promenade Temecula Mall is located: 40820 Winchester Road, Temecula, CA.
read and see more at:
http://temeculagrapevine.wordpress.com/2014/02/26/circus-vargas-returns-to-promenade-temecula-with-new-acts-family-entertainment-for-all/
RINGLING BROS. VS BINDLESTUFF VS. GOLDEN DRAGON
Circus smackdown: A tale of the tape
Photo by Amitava Sarkar
The circus rolls in: Golden Dragon Acrobats hits Brooklyn College to perform its “Cirque Ziva” show.
BY MATTHEW PERLMAN
The Brooklyn Paper
February 28, 2014
Circus season has arrived in Brooklyn. Big shots Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is already at the Barclays Center for a two-week run, but that is far from the only big top in town. The borough’s own Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Cabaret is tumbling into the Brooklyn Lyceum, and traveling Chinese entertainers the Golden Dragon Acrobats will be swinging by Brooklyn College for a performance of impressive aerial feats. So which show gives you the best back-flip for your buck? Well, that depends if you prefer kangaroos or kazoos. Let’s go to the tape!
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents “Legends,” Barclays Center [Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave. at Flatbush Avenue in Prospect Heights,(817)618–6700,www.barclayscenter.com]. Feb 28 at 7 pm, March 1 and 2 at 11 am, 3 pm, and 7 pm. $30–$160
“Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Cabaret” at Brooklyn Lyceum (277 Fourth Ave. at First Street in Park Slope, www.brooklynlyceum.com). Mar. 13–16 at 8 pm, March 16 children’s show at 3 pm. $10–$25.
“Cirque Ziva” at Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College [2900 Campus Rd. between Amersfort Place and Kenilworth Place in Flatbush, (718) 951–4500, www.brooklyncenter.com]. March 9 at 3 pm. $35. CircusRingling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey “Legends”“Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Cabaret”Golden Dragon Acrobats “Cirque Ziva”LocationBarclays CenterBrooklyn LyceumBrooklyn Center for the Performing ArtsNo. of performances2061Price$30–$160$10–$25$35No. of seats12,0002502,400Length of show2 hours and 30 minutes1 hour 30 minutes 2 hoursPerformers100830Clowns1220SnacksLemonade, cotton candy, sno-cones.Beer, pastries.Soda, pretzels, chips.MusicLive band with nine musicians.One person playing a keyboard, kazoo, and electronic instruments.Recorded music.AnimalsElephants, tigers, lions, kangaroos, dogs, lamas, goats, and pigs.None.None.CyclesMotorcycles, bicycles, miniature bicycles.Unicycles, miniature bicycle, penny-farthing.Unicycles.Objects juggledBalls, hoops, fire.Wine bottles, cigar boxes, clubs.Balls, hats, umbrellas.Height of highest feat40 feet.15 feet.20 feet.Most death-defying stuntMotorcycle highwire.Sword swallowing.Head balancing.
read more:
http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/37/9/24-join-the-circus-2014-02-28-bk_37_9.html
Circus to bring its 'Legends' show to Tulsa
From: tulsaworld.com
Feb 27, 2014.
By JERRY WOFFORD World Scene Writer
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus is set for May 31 and June 1 at the BOK Center with multiple shows both days. Tickets go on sale April 26.
The circus is set to perform its "Legends" show over the two days featuring the thrilling stunts and feats of strength "to summon the mythical and mysterious creatures of the past: a Unicorn, a Pegasus and a Woolly Mammoth," according to the event announcement.
The family-friendly show welcomes "children of all ages" to see the spectacle.
Tickets will be available at 10 a.m. April 26 at the BOK Center box office, 200 S. Denver Ave., at bokcenter.com or by phone at 866-7-BOKCTR. Ticket prices have not been announced.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Vian Lions sponsor the circus
submitted photo
The Beautiful Simone
The Beautiful Simone performs aerial acrobatics during a performance of the Culpepper and Merriweather circus
from: sequoyahcountytimes.com
February 26, 2014
The Vian Lions Club is sponsoring the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus for two performances on March 29.
“We invite everyone to come and watch them raise the big top,” Nell Mathot, Vian Lion’s Club secretary said. “We will also have pony rides and bouncing toys.”
Performances will be at 2 p.m. and 4:30 at the Armstrong Park.
“The proceeds from the circus supports the Vian Easter egg hunt, the Christmas parade and other Lions Club projects,” Mathot said.
Tickets go on sale at the Diamond Express on Kerr Boulevard, Tractor Supply, the Sequoyah County Co-op and other selects outlets.
Bizarre and Colorful Vintage Circus Posters Featuring Animal Performers
By Rebecca Onion
Feb 26, 2014
The Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin holds a collection of circus memorabilia dating from the middle of the nineteenth century to about 1940. As historian Janet Davis writes in her book The Circus Age: Culture & Society Under the American Big Top, during that time the traveling circus was a major vector of popular culture, bringing new ideas and cultural norms along with it. When the big show came to town, people who might not have otherwise seen trained animals or exotic beasts had their chance. (In the interest of full disclosure: Davis was one of my dissertation advisors.)
Here are some colorful posters advertising animal acts, showing what people wanted to see: smart animals, fierce animals, animals in great numbers. The posters are also a reminder of how ethical norms around animal performance have—or haven’t—changed. The idea of an equestrian lion now upsets us. Would a troupe of trained cats do the same?
Courtesy of the Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin.
Carl Hagenbeck was a German animal dealer and entrepreneur, probably now best remembered for redesigning zoo exhibits to mimic animals’ natural habitats. Hagenbeck founded his circus in 1903 and merged with the Wallace and Co. Circus in 1907. Historian Nigel Rothfels writes that the “Equestrian Lion” was a “signature act,” demonstrating the Hagenbeck brand’s complete control over animal nature.
A 2008 National Geographic image shows a horse-riding lion in a Chinese circus, proving that the practice is not completely dead.
Courtesy of the Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin.
Circus advertisers liked numbers almost as much as Internet headline writers do. In this 1897 print, Barnum & Bailey touted not only the number of horses in the ring, but also their fine nature: “Over $100,000 worth of Valuable Horses and Costly Trappings ALL IN ONE RING.”
Courtesy of the Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin
Iron-jaw acts often featured female acrobats who would clamp onto padded bits with their teeth and swing, without any supporting hold or safety harness, across the big top (or the streets of New York City). Here, Signor Doddretti, a “strongman,” lifted a docile horse with “His Teeth Alone.”
Bonnetty (not an actual professor) was a Dutch performer who made foxes and hounds work together, and enticed them to ignore live chickens and ducks in their midst. Bonnetty also famously trained a troupe of cats, bypassing their instincts to kill. Writer Ernest Ingersoll attended a performance and described it in 1897, telling how a “flock of canaries,” “some white mice and dappled gray rats” were set free to mix with the fifteen or twenty cats. “They caught these little animals, their natural prey, and played with them, holding them in their paws, and even in their teeth, without doing them the slightest injury,” Ingersoll wrote.
see an read more at:
http://www.slate.com/blogs/wild_things/2014/02/26/circus_posters_some_bygone_animal_acts.html
Circus act moves to classical vibe
foto/The West Australian
From:The West Australian
STEPHEN BEVIS ARTS EDITOR The West Australian
February 27, 2014
We've seen animal circuses, burlesque circuses, punk circuses and aerial circuses.
Now classical chamber music is getting in on the act as Brisbane circus troupe Circa teams with a French string quartet for one of the final shows at the Perth International Arts Festival.
The Debussy String Quartet performed part of the show Opus blindfolded as acrobats tumbled around them, Circa director Yaron Lifschitz said.
The show Opus, which opened last night, paid homage to the music of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich and the expressive beauty of human movement, Lifschitz said.
Lifschitz said Circa was devoted to exploring the theatrical poetry and artistic possibilities of circus.
Matching the circus skills to the music of Shostakovich would tug on the emotional heartstrings, he said.
"Shostakovich is music that speaks very deeply to me," Lifschitz said during a final technical rehearsal at the Regal Theatre. "It is emotionally powerful and it touches me - and I think it touches an audience."
Violinists Christophe Collette and Marc Vieillefon, viola player Vincent Deprecq and Fabrice Bihan on cello were very much a part of the action, moving around the stage and interacting with the 10 acrobats, Lifschitz said.
He described the human body as the most magnificent expressive vehicle of all.
"It is circus that moves you and I think it is definitely music that moves you too," he said.
Circa was last seen by Perth audiences in Immunity, a segment in the film adaption of Tim Winton's The Turning.
Lifschitz said Opus would appeal to lovers of classical music, who would be thrilled by seeing the music come to life in a respectful and interesting way.
And circus lovers might see a new, accessible side to classical music, he said.
Opus is a sequel to How Like an Angel, Circa's 2012 acrobatic show performed to Renaissance music sung by British choral group I Fagiolini. It runs at the Regal Theatre until Saturday.
BIG TOP FUN
After 144 years, circus still draws a crowd
Animals, performers entertain Richmond audiences till Sunday
AMES H. WALLACE/TIMES-DISPATCH
Children and parents who arrived early for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus at the Richmond Coliseum got a chance to dance with members of the circus during the one-hour All Access Pre Show, Wednesday 2/26/2014.
From: timesdispatch.com
BY ZACHARY REID Richmond Times-Dispatch
February 26, 2014
The magic didn’t seem so magic anymore.
In the age of YouTube, where everything is accessible all the time, and Cirque du Soleil, where everything is amazing in 19 productions across the world, a traveling three-ring circus that sets up shop in 1970s-era sports arenas might seem a bit passé.
But after 144 years on the road, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey still draws a crowd.
It has four touring shows, and the current schedule includes more than five dozen stops. It opened here Wednesday and has 11 shows in five days.
Even in the digital age, kids still stare in wonder at clowns, high-wire walkers still defy gravity in ways that inspire awe and guys on motorcycles still find ways to spin circles around each other inside a cage.
“Nothing beats a live show,” said LaVahn Hoh, a theater professor at the University of Virginia who for the past 32 years has taught what’s believed to be the only circus history class at an American college.
“I look at stuff on YouTube for my class, but a live show … it still brings thrills and chills.”
Through the years, the popularity of the circus has come and gone, but it has remained a conspicuous presence for a simple reason.
“Theater treats conflict between humans; the circus treats a human’s struggle with himself or the environment,” the circophile and one-time circus school student Duncan Wall wrote in “The Ordinary Acrobat,” a memoir that was published last year.
“Theater is imaginative … but circus is real.”
read and see more at:
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/local/there-s-still-a-timeless-appeal-to-the-circus/article_75cf1a24-c9de-5da2-affa-4991261d7fe3.htm
Circus thrills and spills are in the blood
DAZZLING: Dakota Weber and her sister Wonita Weber, with Wonita’s son River Matousek, 3, getting in on the act at Weber’s Circus. PHOTO: ADAM HOURIGAN
from: dailyexaminer.com.au
Have your say » Kate Matthews
27th Feb 2014
THE big top is up at the Grafton Showground which can only mean one thing: the circus is in town.
Opening Thursday from 7pm, Webers Circus will dazzle audiences of all ages with a fast-paced mix of acrobatics, stunts, and amazing costumes.
Seventh-generation circus entertainer Wonita Weber is one of three sisters who performs in the show.
Even though she practises for up to four-and-a-half hours each week for her aerial act, Wonita says it can still be a little nerve-wracking.
So far though, she's been lucky and hasn't had any serious injuries.
"I'm the only girl in Australia who is practising a triple somersault and will be adding this to the show in a couple of months," she said.
Her two sons, three-year-old River and Dash, 18 months, may also make a guest appearance.
"Dash is the funniest clown and he steals the show every time," Wonita said.
The theme of the show is A Touch of South America and features salsa dancing, breath-taking acts of bravery including the wheel of death and the Russian Swing, as well as performing dogs and ponies.
Webers Circus is owned and managed by Natalie and Rudy Weber.
A team of 25 performers and support crew spend up to 48 weeks of the year on the road, and have taken their show around Australia since 2007.
Circus of Horrors show, Bromley, Tunbridge Wells & Dartford theatres
from: kentonline.co.uk
26/02/14
Roll up for the Circus of Horrors
A show that stormed into the finals of Britain’s Got Talent is back with a new production. Kent audiences can get a taste of the action when Circus of Horrors: London After Midnight hits the stage at three Kent venues in March.
Ever since its conception at Glastonbury in 1995, Circus of Horrors has toured the world, dragging circus screaming and shouting into the 21st century. It’s also the only circus to have a residency in London’s theatreland for more than 100 years.
The new show is inspired by the lost 1927 silent movie London After Midnight starring Lon Chaney.
The audience is taken on a journey though our plague-ridden capital in 1665, culminating in scenes based on the Great Fire of London in 1666.
The story twists and turns as five murders are committed at various London landmarks, each one becoming more and more horrific and all intermingled with daring circus stunts – from sword swallowing to daredevil balancing acts, from hair hangers to demon dwarfs.
Dr Haze and The Interceptors from Hell provide the soundtrack to the show.
Strawberry Festival opens in Plant City
Since 1930, the festival has grown, but has retrained its rustic focus
The Band Perry siblings Reid, left, Kimberly and Neil Perry will perform March 9 at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City.PHOTO PROVIDED
From: bradenton.com
BY MARTY CLEAR
February 27, 2014
It now draws about a half-million people every year and features some of the biggest names in country and pop music. But at its core, the Florida Strawberry Festival is still a traditional fair that revels in the rural American lifestyle.
"As trite as it may sound, we're still a slice of Americana," said Paul Davis, the festival's general manager. "The festival started in 1930 as a celebration of the strawberry harvest, and we've never strayed far from that."
This year's festival in Plant City is set to open its 11-day run today.
Among the highlights: a huge midway, lots of free live entertainment, agricultural displays and competitions, and tons of food, much of it, obviously, strawberry-related.
There's also a full lineup of headlining music acts, two or three every day. A limited number of people are admitted free to the headlining shows on a first-come-first served basis, but others pay a reasonable charge for reserved seats.
Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2014/02/27/5015891/strawberry-festival-opens-in-plant.html#storylink=cpy
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Circus vows that the show must go on in Newport as staff work until midnight
FROM: southwalesargus.co.uk
Gerry Cottle's Turbo Circus a live entertainment show have arrived in Newport and struggling to set up the Big Top, due to the concrete hard standing. Pictured is Circus performer Joel Hanson with a 3 foot stake that are used for securing the big top
FROM: southwalesargus.co.uk
25th February 2014
AFTER working to the middle of the night, Gerry Cottle’s circus has said they will open in time for their first Newport show tomorrow afternoon.
The circus appealed to Argus readers yesterday for a drill to help them secure their big top. The ‘Turbo Show’ was due to open this Wednesday at Tredegar Park, but It was forced to move to the Newport Car Auctions Pill Carboot sale site, after organisers learnt the land at Tredegar Park was waterlogged.
Unprepared for the concrete, the team were struggling to drill holes for their 60-70 metal stakes to hold the tent in place. They needed a 50mm rock drill that can drill 2ft down.
“Someone did kindly come down with a drill but it wasn’t heavy duty enough,” said circus manager Maureen Carter.
Members of the team were working up until midnight last night. They expect to do the same tonight to get it finished in time for the first show at 3.30pm tomorrow.
Ms Carter said: “The show must go on as they say. Circus people work together as a family-. That’s circus life – everyone keeps at it because it’s their livelihood. We will work manually until they are all done. ”
South Wales Argus: Gerry Cottle's Turbo Circus a live entertainment show have arrived in Newport and struggling to set up the Big Top, due to the concrete hard standing. Pictured are footings for the Big Top where staff are struggling place 3 foot stakes into the ground
The job of securing stakes which should have been finished yesterday will have instead taken more than two days to complete. Local hire firms had said it would take up to two days to get the tool in stock.
The show has already sold more than 1000 tickets for the Newport run which is supposed to start at 3pm this Wednesday with two showings a day until Sunday March 2.
Prince Charles rides golden golf cart round Saudi historic town
From: The Royal Family Channel
Published on Feb 20, 2014
Prince Charles rides a gold coloured golf cart around the historic town of Diriyah in Saudi Arabia.
Diriyah is located on the north-western outskirts of Riyadh, the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and was once the base for the Saudi royal family, serving as the capital for the first Saudi dynasty.
The tour guide was Prince Sultan bin Salman, the President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.
A DAY AT THE CIRCUS
Shrine Circus thrills audience
Matt Dixon
Two-year-old Brooklyn Quick watches in delight during the Shrine Circus while attending with her grandfather Randy Rubbins Tuesday evening at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island. The family friendly show presented by the Central Nebraska Shrine Club featured acrobatics, elephants, clowns, alligators, ponies, dogs and more. (Independent/Matt Dixon)
From: theindependent.com
Tue Feb 25, 2014.
The Central Nebraska Shrine Club presented the Shrine Circus Tuesday at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island.
The family-friendly show featured acrobatics, elephants, clowns, alligators, ponies, dogs and more
Matt Dixon
Bottom from left, Levi Hormann, Cohen Gaghagen and Seth Flodman, along with, top from left, Ava Gaghagen, Ali Flodman and baby Aubree and Melissa Flodman, enjoy cotton candy before performances start during the Shrine Circus Tuesday evening at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island. The family friendly show presented by the Central Nebraska Shrine Club featured acrobatics, elephants, clowns, alligators, ponies, dogs and more. (Independent/Matt Dixon)
Matt Dixon
Rietta Wallenda hangs from a hoop as her daughter Lyric Wallenda-Arestov dangles from silk behind her during the Shrine Circus Tuesday evening at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island. The family friendly show presented by the Central Nebraska Shrine Club featured acrobatics, elephants, clowns, alligators, ponies, dogs and more. (Independent/Matt Dixon)
Matt Dixon
Christine Plunkett performs her dog and pony show during the Shrine Circus Tuesday evening at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island. The family friendly show presented by the Central Nebraska Shrine Club featured acrobatics, elephants, clowns, alligators, ponies, dogs and more. (Independent/Matt Dixon)
PETA: Topeka police, USDA should probe alleged circus animal abuse
Two animal handlers were accused of punching and kicking dogs during an Arab Shrine circus performance Sunday.
from: m.cjonline.com
By Ann Marie Bush
Feb. 26, 2014
In response to reports of two circus handlers allegedly punching and kicking dogs during an Arab Shrine circus performance Sunday in Topeka, PETA has asked the Topeka Police Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate, said Carney Anne Nasser, an attorney with the Peta Foundation.
“Multiple people have echoed outrage,” Nasser said Tuesday.
Hamid Circus Inc., which coordinated the 2014 circus performances in Topeka, said on its Facebook page Monday that one animal handler had been “reassigned.”
Nasser said according to eyewitnesses, a fight broke out between two malamutes who were used in the show.
read more at:
http://m.cjonline.com/node/172707/photos
Circus art show goes under the big top
© Courtesy of the Moscow Museum of Modern Art
by Alice Tchernookova,
special to The Moscow News
25/02/2014
by Alice Tchernookova, special to The Moscow News at 25/02/2014 17:07
A playful new circus-themed exhibition at the Moscow Museum of Modern Art puts viewers right in the arena, creating an interactive journey through dressing rooms, tents and even animal cages. Along the way are a wide range of representations of the circus in Russian art, from Alexander Rodchenko to Oleg Kulik.
"The theme of the circus has been very present in the works of Russian artists during the last century," said Darya Vorobyova, curator of "Igra v Tsirk" ("Playing Circus"). "The idea was to group as many as possible within a single exhibition, showing a variety of perceptions."
The exhibition spans 13 rooms, each of them focusing on a particular aspect of the circus. Having ascended the stairs under a bright marquee, visitors arrive in the "My Circus" room, which contains childlike paintings by Marc Chagall, Constructivist-style 1930s prints by Alexandra Exter, and several Rodchenko photographs, including the striking "Jump on a Horse" (1935).
Other rooms include the "Dressing Room," which shows period circus costumes and a makeup table surrounded by spotlights, and "The Cage," which puts the watcher in the position of a caged animal, complete with sound effects and large-scale lion photographs by Katya Shkolnik.
The "Arena" room contains one of the show's central pieces: Yuri Sheshkov's 1995 painting "Manezh" ("Arena"). The painting's arena extends into the room, allowing visitors to enter its scene of jugglers and animal tricks for themselves. The final room, "The Dream," has twelve different doors, which visitors can open to reveal allusions to the previous rooms.
"Igra v Tsirk" reveals the wide range of styles in which the circus has been depicted in Russian art, from Alexander Tikhomirov's lyrical paintings, to grotesque caricatures by Soviet cartoonist Boris Yefimov, to the playful clowning of contemporary conceptualist artist Leonid Tishkov.
"Circus is always a matter of emotions, of feelings," Vorobyova said.
It's a set of feelings that viewers - especially young ones - likely won't want to leave.
Until April 6 at the Moscow Museum of Modern Art, www.mmoma.ru
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Circus Investigates Animal Abuse Claims During Weekend Shows
from: wbw.com
By: Nick Vivian
Feb 24, 2014
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -- The Hamid Circus is investigating complaints that dogs were abused during a weekend performance of the 'Shrine Circus' performance in Topeka.
Several people posted on Facebook that it happened during the Alaskan Malamutes act. They said the animals started fighting. One poster claimed they were on leashes and - when staff couldn't pull them apart - they punched the dogs in the face.
Other posters accused the staff of kicking and punching the dogs. Some of them were calling it abuse.
Jill Foster-Koch posted: "The dogs were performing and then started fighting with each other. They were on leashes and the staff tried to pull them away and the dogs wouldn't let up so they punched the dogs in the face. The dogs would've killed each other. It was a mess all the way around."
Erin Moll McGuire posted: "Even though the lights were turned out we still witnessed the kicking and hitting of the dogs. While the dogs were indeed attacking each other, the way the handlers were going about it to break up them up was unnecessary and downright abusive!"
But not everyone who posted saw the situation the same way. Some posted that they understood the trainer's actions.
Ashley Luttjohann posted: "Do you honestly think him hitting the dog hurt any worse than the other dog tearing into him? You can't go put your hands anywhere close to the mouths to "nicely separate" them or you will get mauled yourself.... I was there. I saw this as well. Animals fight sometimes. I thought they did a good job handling it. I'm not saying they don't abuse these animals, and I think it's awful. And if they did go back and kick the dog after the fight was over then that is horrible.
On its Facebook page, Hamid Circus said the well being of its animals is its first priority.
"(T)he animal handler in question has been reassigned while an internal investigation is being conducted," the Hamid Circus post read. "We take these allegations very seriously and will take appropriate disciplinary action as warranted."
The Kansas Expocentre said Monday it had not received any complaints about the circus performance. Topeka Police also had no reports.
Posted by: Nick Viviani/Melissa Brunner
Circus Day In Our Town (1949)
Published on Nov 10, 2012
Circus Day In Our Town
1949
Scenes of a big three-ring circus include the arrival, the parade, unloading, tent raising and highlights of the show itself. This film has amazing footage of a circus coming into a town, the townspeople helping with construction of the circus tents, the clowns preparing for their performance and the variety of circus Acts and the crowds viewing them.
LatAm circus stars look for opportunities in Europe
From: globalpost.com
Agencia EFE
February 24, 2014
Figueres, Spain, Feb 24 (EFE).- Latin American circus stars like the Chilean clown "Pastelito," his compatriots Catalina and Camila Palma, and Mexico's Duo Marquez, are appearing at the International Circus Festival in Figueres, a city in northeastern Spain, in search of whatever opportunities Europe has to offer.
One requirement of this prestigious big top event is that all the acts must be totally new to the European public, which in turn makes it a magnet for show programmers around the world.
Festival performances are presented as a contest, bringing together in the Catalan town of Figueres the world's circus elite with the presence of such unusual and esteemed companies as the Pyongyan National Circus.
Pastelito is a special case, someone who is a TV character in Chile and the owner of a circus, but who has left all aside for the first time to try this European experience.
The Chilean clown, with a 25-year career behind him, has appeared in Colombia, Mexico and the United States and mounted his own business, but his success has sometimes kept him from accepting offers such as the one in Figueres because of always being bound by contracts.
"We're always working," Pastelito told Efe from the dressing room, calling this a "very beautiful" experience.
Representing Mexico are the Duo Marquez, made up of "circus animal" Nazareth and a former store cashier, Michelle Sandoval, who, after meeting him, accepted his invitation to become an acrobat like he is.
The International Circus Festival in Figueres opened last Thursday and ends Monday with the final competition and the awarding of prizes.
PERFORMANCE REVIEW: Circus Oz
FOTO BY ROBERT TORRES
Hazel Bock of Circus Oz juggles a table with her feet at Boston’s Citi Shubert Theatre.
The gravity-defying spectacle from Australia lands in Boston
From: tech.mit.edu
By Denis Bozic ARTS EDITOR
February 25, 2014
Circus Oz
From the Ground Up Tour
Presented by Celebrity Series of Boston
Feb. 19 — Feb. 23
Citi Shubert Theatre
When was the last time you saw a live performing circus? Chances are you’ve simply forgotten about circus as a type of performing arts. Indeed, with so many blockbuster movies filled with otherworldly acrobatics, there seems to be a loss of interest in seeing an actual human being putting their life at risk for your entertainment. Nevertheless, the entertaining teams of performers — from Cirque du Soleil to The Big Apple Circus — still deliver some of the most gut-wrenching and captivating shows to people across the world. Last week, Boston hosted the world’s renowned Australian ensemble of acrobats, musicians, and dancers known as Circus Oz.
Established in Melbourne in 1978, Circus Oz is an animal-free circus that unites traditional circus arts with theater, musical, high-risk acrobatics and stand-up comedy. Their tour “From The Ground Up” is a perfect choice of circus that’s appropriate for all ages — jaw-dropping feats for the kids and hilarious jokes for the adults who appreciate a subtle sense of humor. With a cast of good-looking and charming Australians, Circus Oz is the perfect blend of fun and spectacle.
Their show premiered in Boston last Wednesday at Citi Shubert Theatre, and it was a two-hour long performance filled with laughter, applause, and gasps. It might be counterintuitive to imagine a circus on theater stage, but Circus Oz is far from a regular circus ensemble. Their performers mingle with the audience before the show and show off their tricks while the rest of the circus crew is setting up the stage, which seems a vibrant and joyous construction site. The show starts with the performers telling jokes and trying to perform card tricks. It all somehow seems a bit dull when there is no one flying in the air during the first fifteen minutes of performance.
But that is just an elaborate prank. The ensemble tricks you into thinking that the show is going to be mellow, but just after the first twenty minutes, the thrills begin. One of the male performers climbs a ten-meter tall pole that keeps swinging from left to right, while one of the female performers plays a jazzy melody on the piano as if it’s commonplace to risk multiple fracture every day. And that’s when you realize that the show is anything but traditional.
Not all of the stunts were quite as frightening as the one with the swinging pole, but they were always stunning enough to have the audience applauding every two minutes. Some of the most fascinating feats included juggling a small table with feet, doing reverse spirals on a hanging hula-hoop, “tightroping” on a rotating rope, and see-saw somersaults. Despite the extraordinary focus and practice required to perform these acrobatics, the performers delivered every stunt with such grace and enjoyment that it was easy to believe that the effect of gravity was the last thing on their mind.
In addition to performing the stunts, most of the performers played instruments, coloring the performance with an entertaining mixture of rock ‘n’ roll and jazz. It was quite fascinating to see such a talented crowd tackle every aspect of the show. And, if that wasn’t enough, the naughty humor, subtle sexual innuendos, and the playful gender-based jokes were guaranteed to bring out smiles in the audience.
Of course, when there is so much emphasis on theatricality and delivery, there is not a lot of space for coherence within the show’s story. The basic idea of the story was pretty clear, but there were still a few moments of filler dialogues that seemed to diverge from the show’s premise. Then again, when there is a person in front of you spinning a table just with her feet, who needs a well-developed story to be entertained?
from: http://tech.mit.edu/V134/N7/circusoz.html
Circus arrives in Newport but needs your help to open in time
in Gwent news South Wales Argus:
By Laura Lea, South Wales Argus reporter
24th February 2014
A ‘DESPERATE’ circus is appealing to the people of Newport for a super drill to help them get ready for their grand opening in just two days time.
Gerry Cottle’s Circus has come to town for the half-term holiday, but at this rate the Big Top may not be up in time.
The ‘Turbo Show’ which boasts 50 acts in 100 minutes, was due to open this Wednesday at Tredegar Park. It was forced to move to the Newport Car Auctions Pill Carboot sale site, after organisers learnt the land at Tredegar Park was waterlogged.
“Last Wednesday, Gerry Cottle himself went to the site and found it was completely water-logged,” said circus manager Maureen Carter.
But the only suitable site they could find was the concreted carboot area on Usk Way.
“We’ve got the kit here but it’s concrete. We’ve gone into concrete before but it’s really deep here,” said Ms Carter.
The team need a 50mm rock drill that can drill 2ft down. There are 60-70 ‘stakes’ that must be planted into the ground to secure their Turbo Dome tent.
“We are just desperate,” said Ms Carter. “If there is someone out there who can help us we will pay and can give them free tickets.”
The show has already sold more than 1000 tickets for the Newport run which is supposed to start at 3pm this Wednesday with two showings a day until Sunday March 2.
If you can help, call us on 01633 777 087.
from:
http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/11032359.Circus_arrives_in_Newport_but_needs_your_help_to_open_in_time/
Circus comes to Indiana
from: thepenn.org
Brandon Clemens--Lead Wet Ink Writer
02/25/2014
Watch out Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the circus is coming to town.
Walker International Events will present the newest edition of its circus show titled “Circus, Circus and More Circus,” Wednesday in the S&T Bank Arena.
The traveling, indoor circus will offer two showtimes, one at 5 and the other at 7:30 p.m.
According to the event company’s website, the circus will offer “90 fun-filled minutes, jam-packed with thrills, chills, laughter and animals, animals, animals.”
Brett Peterson (sophomore, theater) said she’s genuinely excited that a circus act is coming to Indiana at all.
“It’s just so nice to be able to do something that isn’t normally offered in the area,” Peterson said.
And if the circus’s recent online attendee reviews are any indication, Indiana County patrons shouldn’t be disappointed.
A Feb. 7 review from the Walker website referred to the 2014 edition of the circus as being perfect for any age group and full of nostalgia.
“The thing that got me was the feel of watching professionals of today do something that seemed steeped in old-world charm,” said circus attendee Tim Hall.
But, however well the acts themselves are received, Brendan Cope (junior, English) said that he is concerned the venue will not be big enough to hold “the full circus experience.”
“I don’t see the draw,” Cope said.
Regardless of the venue size, though, new entertainment is new entertainment.
Tickets for the all-ages event cost $15 for adults and are available for purchase at WalkerInternationalEvents.com.
Each paid adult ticket comes with free admission for two children 14 and under. Admission for each additional child costs $5.
Indiana State Fair aims to break dry spell, join 48 states selling alcohol on fairgrounds
From: therepublic.com
By SUMMER BALLENTINE Associated Press
February 24, 2014
INDIANAPOLIS — This state's distinction of having one of the last dry state fairs could end if legislation clears the Indiana House.
The bill would allow the Indiana State Fair to sell beer, wine and liquor for the first time since 1947. Indiana and North Carolina are the only two states that don't allow drinking during their state fairs. North Carolina allows fairgoers to sample wine and buy bottles of wine for home consumption.
Fair officials say they want to showcase beer, wine and distilled spirits just like other products of Indiana agriculture. Opponents question the safety of the measure and worry it could threaten the fair's family atmosphere.
The state Senate passed the bill 33-13. The bill Monday cleared the second of its required three readings in the House.