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GIUSEPPE CHIARINI
Giuseppe Chiarini (1823-1897) was perhaps the most influential circus director of the nineteenth century: During a professional career that spanned fifty-eight years, his extensive and incessant international tours led him from Europe to North and South America, to India and Asia, and down to Australia. In many places that had not yet been exposed to the circus, Chiarini’s Circus was the first circus the locals ever saw—and this exposure sometimes triggered there the creation of an indigenous circus inspired by Chiarini’s shows. Over the years, Chiarini performed for Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, Emperors Maximilian I of Mexico, Dom Pedro of Brazil, Mitsuhito of Japan, King Rama V of Siam, and an assortment of Indian Radjahs and state officials. His Royal Italian Circus—which could become Royal Spanish Circus when needed—was in fact an American enterprise based in California. A true circus man, Chiarini was indubitably a citizen of the world. (more...)
New Biographies
- Giuseppe Chiarini, Circus Entrepreneur
- The Collins Brothers, Clowns, Aerialists
- The Indian Circus, History
- Daniel Suskov, Animal Trainer
- Ursula Böttcher, Animal Trainer
New Videos
- Los Maravillas, Flying Trapeze (2007)
- Ben Williams & Family, Elephant Act (1993)
- Katja Schumann & Marie-Pierre Bénac, High School Act (1991)
- The Collins Brothers, Comedy Trapeze Act (1993)
- Ursula Böttcher, Polar Bear Act (1973)
Featured Oral Histories
- 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