In The Spotlight
FREDDY OSLER
In the 1970s, triple-somersaulter Freddy Osler was the most famous and arguably the greatest
flyerAn acrobat that is propelled in the air, either in a flying act, or in an acrobatic act (i.e. teeterboard). of what was known then as the South African school of
flying trapezeAerial act in which an acrobat is propelled from a trapeze to a catcher, or to another trapeze. (See also: Short-distance Flying Trapeze)—whose troupes had invaded the European circus scene. Born Frederick Weppenaar in South Africa, he learned to fly with Keith Osler Anderson, a puppeteer and stage designer who had developed a passion for circus and
flying trapezeAerial act in which an acrobat is propelled from a trapeze to a catcher, or to another trapeze. (See also: Short-distance Flying Trapeze). (In 1973, Keith Anderson would create the Hi-Fli Trapeze Training School at the YMCA in Observatory, Cape Town, which defined the South African school of flyers, and produced most of them.) Freddy Weppenaar debuted with the Flying Oslers in 1967, when the troupe got its first European engagement at the Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth, England. The act was then composed of Keith Anderson, Tommy Kieser, and Freddy Weppenaar, (flyers), and Mike Redpath (
catcherIn an acrobatic or a flying act, the person whose role is to catch acrobats that have been propelled in the air.). There were not many great flying acts in Europe at the time, and the Flying Oslers began an impressive career that led them to practically all the major European circuses of the period.... (
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Featured Oral Histories
- Alberto Zoppé, Equestrian - Interview (McCutcheon & Distasio, 2003)
- Olivier Taquin, Mime - Interview (Jando, 2008)
- Barry Lubin, Clown (Grandma) - Interview (Jando, 2008)
- Fumagalli, Clown - Interview (Jando, 2008)
- Kris Kremo, Juggler - Interview (Jando, 2007)
A Message from the Editor
- CIRCOPEDIA is a constantly evolving and expanding encyclopedia of the international circus. New videos, biographies, essays, and documents are added to the site on a weekly—and sometimes daily—basis. Keep visiting us: even if today you don't find what you're looking for, it may well be here tomorrow!
- Dominique Jando
- Editor/Curator