16th January 2013
What is Circus?
“The modern circus owes its name, but fortunately not its regular program of events, to the amusements of ancient times. The Latin word circus, which comes from the Greek word kirkos, "circle, ring," referred to a circular or oval area enclosed by rows of seats for spectators. In the center ring, so to speak, was held a variety of events, including chariot races and gladiatorial combats, spectacles in which bloodshed and brutality were not uncommon. The first use of circus recorded in English, in a work by Chaucer written around 1380, probably refers to the Circus Maximus in Rome. Our modern circus, which dates to the end of the 18th century, was originally an equestrian spectacle as well, but the trick riders were soon joined in the ring by such performers as ropedancers, acrobats, and jugglers. Even though the circular shape of the arena and the equestrian nature of some of the performances are carried over from its Roman namesake, the modern circus has little connection with its brutal namesake of long ago
“The modern circus owes its name, but fortunately not its regular program of events, to the amusements of ancient times. The Latin word circus, which comes from the Greek word kirkos, "circle, ring," referred to a circular or oval area enclosed by rows of seats for spectators. In the center ring, so to speak, was held a variety of events, including chariot races and gladiatorial combats, spectacles in which bloodshed and brutality were not uncommon. The first use of circus recorded in English, in a work by Chaucer written around 1380, probably refers to the Circus Maximus in Rome. Our modern circus, which dates to the end of the 18th century, was originally an equestrian spectacle as well, but the trick riders were soon joined in the ring by such performers as ropedancers, acrobats, and jugglers. Even though the circular shape of the arena and the equestrian nature of some of the performances are carried over from its Roman namesake, the modern circus has little connection with its brutal namesake of long ago
a. A public entertainment consisting typically of a variety of performances
by acrobats, clowns, and trained animals.
b. A traveling company that performs such entertainments.
c. A circular arena, surrounded by tiers of seats and often covered by a
tent, in which such shows are performed”
Ultimately, a circus is “A traveling company of
acrobats, trained animals, and clowns that gives performances, typically in a
large tent, in a series of different places”
Circus’ have been around since the Ancient
Roman times and in the lat 18th century, became a place of
acrobatics, performances, clowns and many other types of performance and
performance art. Contemporary Circus ( or Cirque Nouveau) is the style of
circus that we see today. It was originated in the late 1970’s and involved
contortion artists, extreme acrobatics etc. whilst also having some sort of
theatrical storyline and still maintaining some of the typical/original circus
acts (e.g. clowns, animal taming etc.).
Having a knowledge of the circus before we
begin this performance and working on the circus acts is really important. We
will be able to get a real idea of what it is that the circus gives to an
audience, which is the excitement but also the fear as well as good old
fashioned entertainment. Hopefully when we work on our circus acts, we will be
able to, at least, symbolise some of the important elements of the circus that
everyone recognises and enjoys, so that we get a really great reaction from the
audience.
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