Friday, May 1, 2015
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Freak Shows
One very indistinct element of to take into consider is the intriguing idea of disability
within the circus; in other words, the popularity of freak shows. Traveling with a group was is
commonly associated with the characteristic of being a delinquent and/or an outcast. It used
to be that a freak show a disillusioned display of mockery and hate, and the performers or
'freaks' were terribly mistreated, neglected, and abused. In spite of that negative connotation,
society has become more accepting and open-minded. Now, it is a place where nonconformity
can be appreciated and even flaunted in full rather than an individual feeling ashamed,
attempting to normalize themselves or feel downtrodden upon. The Last American Freak
Show was a film produced by Richard Butchins; it is a documentary that details in great length
and clarifies the twisted fantasy that swept across the States. At one point, it was banned for
being 'too explicit' and that the aesthetic visual aspect was all wrong, that it provoked
questions and uncomfortable emotions.
"A bunch of freaks decide to celebrate diversity in a way of their own choosing,
why that will never do. It would seem that they are only allowed to act in ways
deemed appropriate by the able bodied, they after all know what’s best... Well,
not surprisingly, I and the members of the freak show would seek to disagree.
It's largely the only time that some members of the troupe get any kind of
positive reaction from people ... It's not the disability that stops them functioning
successfully in society but the barriers and prejudices that society places in front
of them that causes the problems. Don't blame the freaks for being freaks.
Perhaps this freak show and my film about them, will give people an opportunity
to examine their attitudes to the disabled. That would be good. So, why don't
you go and spend a week in a wheel chair, see how it feels. (Angels Stand
Corrected 2013)
within the circus; in other words, the popularity of freak shows. Traveling with a group was is
commonly associated with the characteristic of being a delinquent and/or an outcast. It used
to be that a freak show a disillusioned display of mockery and hate, and the performers or
'freaks' were terribly mistreated, neglected, and abused. In spite of that negative connotation,
society has become more accepting and open-minded. Now, it is a place where nonconformity
can be appreciated and even flaunted in full rather than an individual feeling ashamed,
attempting to normalize themselves or feel downtrodden upon. The Last American Freak
Show was a film produced by Richard Butchins; it is a documentary that details in great length
and clarifies the twisted fantasy that swept across the States. At one point, it was banned for
being 'too explicit' and that the aesthetic visual aspect was all wrong, that it provoked
questions and uncomfortable emotions.
"A bunch of freaks decide to celebrate diversity in a way of their own choosing,
why that will never do. It would seem that they are only allowed to act in ways
deemed appropriate by the able bodied, they after all know what’s best... Well,
not surprisingly, I and the members of the freak show would seek to disagree.
It's largely the only time that some members of the troupe get any kind of
positive reaction from people ... It's not the disability that stops them functioning
successfully in society but the barriers and prejudices that society places in front
of them that causes the problems. Don't blame the freaks for being freaks.
Perhaps this freak show and my film about them, will give people an opportunity
to examine their attitudes to the disabled. That would be good. So, why don't
you go and spend a week in a wheel chair, see how it feels. (Angels Stand
Corrected 2013)
An additonal fact is that American Culture has popularized the entertainment value regarding that of "freak shows". A very recent and intriguing example would be American Horror Story: Freakshow
Fun Information about Common Circus Slang
American Slang - http://www.goodmagic.com/carny/c_a.htm
Brit/Euro Slang- http://www.goodmagic.com/carny/c_b.htm
Vaudeville Slang - http://www.goodmagic.com/carny/vaud.htm
Music and themes
"The cornerstone of circuses in America has always been music, without music we should never
have had a circus parade, slideshow, big top performance, concert, or after-show." (The
American Circus 2012)
\Circus music has become highly iconic and of course has become easily recognizable. As unto many
performances, the music and accompaniment is what inspires an audience members to experience
intense levels of varying emtions. And every sound, ever crash, every drumroll was specifically placed
there for a reason, created with precise intent to lay down the framework for an
experiential emotional masterpiece.
Many other influential circus musical stars included Maestro Merle Evans, Weber, Rossini, Liszt,
Wagner, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky\[], Beethoven, Puccini, Schubert, Boito, Mozart, Jullien,
Gottschalk, Toch, Schuman, Piston, Charles Ives, and many, many more.
The grand spectacle or "spec" referred to the lavish main attraction of the show. Popular 'specs'
included: Cleopatra; The Death of Captain Hook; The American Revolution; Lalla Rookh and the
Departure from Delhi; Jack and The Beanstalk; The Veiled Prophet; The Crusades; Field of Cloth;
Aladin and His Wonderful Lamp; Joan of Arc; Marco Polo; and Mother Goose.
Now there was one more theme that seemed to reoccur quite frequently: patriotism. Often you would
find circuses putting on grand spectacles that revolved
around the most recent up-to-date news and information about the rapidly expansion of the
United States. Media sources and newspaper companies commonly struck deals with
companies, promising to provide a continuous stream of news and also committing to review
the shows and print press releases. At the tragic assassination of President McKinley in 1901,
The Ringling Bros. Circus canceled their afternoon showing to participate in the memorial with
the rest of the public.
"Deep down in the breasts of even the clowns and the sideshow freaks is a well-
spring of patriotism...The Ringling Bros., even though at great loss to themselves,
with commendable respect for the government to which they owe allegiance,
and the great body of American people from which they derive their patronage,
cut out their afternoon performance yesterday, in order that their employees
might join with the public generally in doing honor to the foremost American of
his time...With true loyalty to the Stars and Stripes, and with profoundest
reverence and respect for the dead president, they joined in hold a memorial
service that in sincerity and devotion, was exceeded by none of the many
remarkable outpourings of grief and reverence the land over." (Ringling, Annual
Circus Ringling Bros 1978)
This honorable act, along with others from different groups, advertised and sent out a
cry that they were patriotic, honorable, and as far from profit-minded as possible.
around the most recent up-to-date news and information about the rapidly expansion of the
United States. Media sources and newspaper companies commonly struck deals with
companies, promising to provide a continuous stream of news and also committing to review
the shows and print press releases. At the tragic assassination of President McKinley in 1901,
The Ringling Bros. Circus canceled their afternoon showing to participate in the memorial with
the rest of the public.
"Deep down in the breasts of even the clowns and the sideshow freaks is a well-
spring of patriotism...The Ringling Bros., even though at great loss to themselves,
with commendable respect for the government to which they owe allegiance,
and the great body of American people from which they derive their patronage,
cut out their afternoon performance yesterday, in order that their employees
might join with the public generally in doing honor to the foremost American of
his time...With true loyalty to the Stars and Stripes, and with profoundest
reverence and respect for the dead president, they joined in hold a memorial
service that in sincerity and devotion, was exceeded by none of the many
remarkable outpourings of grief and reverence the land over." (Ringling, Annual
Circus Ringling Bros 1978)
This honorable act, along with others from different groups, advertised and sent out a
cry that they were patriotic, honorable, and as far from profit-minded as possible.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Enormous!
I had no idea that circuses were so large at one point!
There were companies that were, of course, very small and struggled intensely to survive. On the other hand, there were circus's that were MASSIVE.
As the popularity of the new grandeur circus grew, it transformed this type of entertainment from a primitive but unique art into an adventurous and massive bravura.
"There are a great many people who believe that a circus cannot be a real circus unless it be seen under canvas, with dirt rings and the sawdust smell that goes with it." (Ringling, Circus Annual Ringling Bros 1901).
The traditional and most commonly recognized tent is called the 'big top' and was generally constructed out of lightweight canvas, rings, ropes, and tall tree trunks and posts. It consisted of three center rings, four stages, all of which were surrounded by a hippodrome track, accompanied by adjoining dressing rooms.
The Thing that blew my kind: the circus was usually set up on a lot ranging near nine acres of land with more than twenty tents needed for functionality such as:
-lifestyles and housing
-logistics
-expenses and technology
-capitals
-museums
-dressing rooms
-local hotels
-stables
-automotive shops
-And even the extensive incorporation of menageries - a display of exotic
animals
Another example of such enormity is the well-recognized Americanized circus, Barnum & Bailey. It traveled across the Atlantic to Europe and toured there for six years.
It's gargantuan size actually shocked me! The circus was so massive that it took several of the largest ships; only one of those vessels "ferried twenty-six elephants, hundreds of horses and ponies, seals, lions, leopards, deer, cattle, yak, zebus, tigers, camels, the Chimpanzee Johanna, two hundred and twenty-four workmen, thirty performers, and scores of agents and managers. The opening extravaganza alone utilized over one thousand performers.
It's fascinating how enthrall end the public became with the entire spectacle of the evolving the monstrous, migratory, and methodical living entity of the circus, including the setup and take down, not just the show. Photographers and reporters alike were also present to document the hundreds, thousands, of spectators crowded together to watch as tents were set up, equipment unloaded, strange animals in cages, and more. As the showmen realized what a hit the before and after was, they began to charge a small fee to those who wanted to witness the final teardown accompanied by an exclusive final performance selection.
The set up, show, and break down often lasted only a day!!
s.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Phillip Astley
Huh, how interesting! So it turns out that Philip Astley from Europe is technically the 'father of the circus'. Granted, acrobatic and trick arts were around long before hand, but apparently he was the one who revolutionized the art and turned it into a spectacular. He was mostly known for his horse riding - at one point he was able to ride the horse by standing on it's back while playing an instrument! Yeah, that's tricky!
I find it interesting that he wasn't particularly an artistic person, however it was his drive and determination and his incredible business skills that made his dreams so successful.
It all started when Astley was a little boy and he would sit on the wooden fences just outside his house, fascinated by traveling bands of wagons of tinkers and performers. This of course sparked his need for adventure and an insatiable wanderlust. His time spent by the fences also sparked one additional curiosity: his passion and love for horses.
As he grew older, he eventually enlisted in the military and worked exclusively breaking and training horses.
It all started when Astley was a little boy and he would sit on the wooden fences just outside his house, fascinated by traveling bands of wagons of tinkers and performers. This of course sparked his need for adventure and an insatiable wanderlust. His time spent by the fences also sparked one additional curiosity: his passion and love for horses.
As he grew older, he eventually enlisted in the military and worked exclusively breaking and training horses.
It wasn't until he later that he was fascinated by a street performing doing tricks with a horse.
This is the part that changed everything. He took that fascination and made it his own, training with others and developing new tricks and feats of his own. Eventually enabling him to create entire shows based on horsemanship, humor, and adventure and his own school. This led him to build multiple theaters, and establish many performing troupes - those of which traveled vastly and adventure.
At first, it was only himself performing little acts of his own. he then proceeded to employ a clown, and a family of acrobats. This was only the very beginning of the circus legacy and the tone that would be set. He founded four circuses, the Royal Amphitheater, nineteen circus buildings, and also laid the foundation for the traditional use of red and gold circus colors, the music, the dimensions, and the smell of sawdust at the circus.
This is the part that changed everything. He took that fascination and made it his own, training with others and developing new tricks and feats of his own. Eventually enabling him to create entire shows based on horsemanship, humor, and adventure and his own school. This led him to build multiple theaters, and establish many performing troupes - those of which traveled vastly and adventure.
At first, it was only himself performing little acts of his own. he then proceeded to employ a clown, and a family of acrobats. This was only the very beginning of the circus legacy and the tone that would be set. He founded four circuses, the Royal Amphitheater, nineteen circus buildings, and also laid the foundation for the traditional use of red and gold circus colors, the music, the dimensions, and the smell of sawdust at the circus.
Phillip Astley opened the door for elaborate growth within this thriving new art form, and over numerous years many since him have revolutionized the way the world viewed theatrical oddities.
Phillip Astley. Source: http://www.circopedia.org/Philip_Astley
Phillip Astley. Source: http://www.circopedia.org/Philip_Astley
Monday, November 3, 2014
Origins
As it turns out, what modern day society knows as the circus, did not just simply have an early history. Like most artistic forms of expression and entertainment, its roots lie deep within ancient histories and cultures.
One of the first recorded histories containing mention of any sort of official circus arts was that of Ancient Egypt. They utilized specialized trained dancers in the form of acrobatics and contortion-ism. In Ancient Greece, acrobatics and circus arts were also a major part of the cultures, first beginning with bull/chariot racing in arenas. ACROBAT originates from the two Greek words "acros" and "bat" or in other words - high walking. They used four different words for their to describe their 'rope-walkers'. Oribat-rope dancer, Nuerobat-rope is set a great heights, Schoenobat-flies down the rope, and the Acrobat-acrobatics on rope. And the earliest acrobatic troupes have roots from China, during the time of the Han Dynasty. From that point on, it took flight and evolved into the many different forms of the modern day circus.
Several more examples include but most definitely are not limited to:
From the Hopi native tribe celebrating the coyote trickster reveling in deviance; ‘ball dancers’, acrobats, and contortionists in ancient Egypt; flaming hoop dancers and rope walkers in Greece; histrones and baladins from Russia; traveling wagon performers, mimicry, and the Festival of Fools in Europe; tumblers and troupes in Asia; wire-walkers in the Mediterranean; cacophonous display of grotesque human distortion; to the modern-day brilliance of extreme talent, diligence, and training.
Image of Egyptian female jugglers. Source: NYU - http://maisonfrancaise.as.nyu.edu/object/lmf-13-circus.html
Images of musicians and artists of Egypt. Source: http://panhistoria.com/www/AncientEgyptianVirtualTemple/music.html
Egyptain contortionist talent. Source: https://blausternschlonge.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/egyptian-orobouros.jpg
Dancing by young females in Egypt. Source: http://www.m.touregypt.net/featurestories/dance.htm
Ancient Greek and Roman Acrobats Source: http://www.blondinmemorialtrust.com/funambulus
Etching of Greek 'bull jumping' Source: Granciso de Goya
Greek dancers. Source: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17289/17289-h/17289-h.htm
Roman Dancers. Source: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17289/17289-h/17289-h.htm
One of the first recorded histories containing mention of any sort of official circus arts was that of Ancient Egypt. They utilized specialized trained dancers in the form of acrobatics and contortion-ism. In Ancient Greece, acrobatics and circus arts were also a major part of the cultures, first beginning with bull/chariot racing in arenas. ACROBAT originates from the two Greek words "acros" and "bat" or in other words - high walking. They used four different words for their to describe their 'rope-walkers'. Oribat-rope dancer, Nuerobat-rope is set a great heights, Schoenobat-flies down the rope, and the Acrobat-acrobatics on rope. And the earliest acrobatic troupes have roots from China, during the time of the Han Dynasty. From that point on, it took flight and evolved into the many different forms of the modern day circus.
Several more examples include but most definitely are not limited to:
From the Hopi native tribe celebrating the coyote trickster reveling in deviance; ‘ball dancers’, acrobats, and contortionists in ancient Egypt; flaming hoop dancers and rope walkers in Greece; histrones and baladins from Russia; traveling wagon performers, mimicry, and the Festival of Fools in Europe; tumblers and troupes in Asia; wire-walkers in the Mediterranean; cacophonous display of grotesque human distortion; to the modern-day brilliance of extreme talent, diligence, and training.
Image of Egyptian female jugglers. Source: NYU - http://maisonfrancaise.as.nyu.edu/object/lmf-13-circus.html
Images of musicians and artists of Egypt. Source: http://panhistoria.com/www/AncientEgyptianVirtualTemple/music.html
Egyptain contortionist talent. Source: https://blausternschlonge.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/egyptian-orobouros.jpg
Dancing by young females in Egypt. Source: http://www.m.touregypt.net/featurestories/dance.htm
Ancient Greek and Roman Acrobats Source: http://www.blondinmemorialtrust.com/funambulus
Etching of Greek 'bull jumping' Source: Granciso de Goya
Greek dancers. Source: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17289/17289-h/17289-h.htmRoman Dancers. Source: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17289/17289-h/17289-h.htm
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