Difference between revisions of "Main Page"

From Circopedia

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==In the Spotlight==
 
==In the Spotlight==
  
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===THE SAMWELL FAMILY===  
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===CIRCUS OZ===  
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[[Image:Leon_Samwell.jpg|right|90px]]The Samwell family (whose name was probably Samuel originally, and would sometimes be spelled Samwells later) is one of England’s oldest circus dynasties. Although they may never have attained the prominence of Philip Astley, Charles Hughes, Andrew Ducrow, George Sanger, and other luminaries of the British circus, they still hold an important place in circus history. Their origins are blurred in time, and they have apparently been touring and performing long before the creation of the circus by Philip Astley in 1770. Like for many itinerant performers of that era, circus soon proved an ideal setting for their line of work, and the Samwells turned into circus performers and entrepreneurs, thus establishing one of the very first circus dynasties...  ([[Samwell Family|more...]])
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The origins of Circus Oz can be traced directly back to the new Australian theatre of the late sixties and early seventies. The ideas that informed the theatre of that time (the development of an Australian voice, ensemble playing and group creativity, heightened and exuberant physicality, an interest in contemporary international trends, breaking down the barriers between spectator and performer, an exploration of comedy, populism, overt political stands and a strong focus on the performer) were integral to the philosophical base upon which Circus Oz was founded. Many of the original members of Circus Oz were active in the new wave of Australian performance and brought to the company attitudes that were forged and developed during that time...  ([[Circus Oz|more...]])
  
 
==New Biographies==
 
==New Biographies==

Revision as of 21:05, 1 September 2010

Welcome to Circopedia,
the free encyclopedia of the international circus.
A project of the Big Apple Circus,
inspired and funded by the Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation.

In the Spotlight

CIRCUS OZ

The origins of Circus Oz can be traced directly back to the new Australian theatre of the late sixties and early seventies. The ideas that informed the theatre of that time (the development of an Australian voice, ensemble playing and group creativity, heightened and exuberant physicality, an interest in contemporary international trends, breaking down the barriers between spectator and performer, an exploration of comedy, populism, overt political stands and a strong focus on the performer) were integral to the philosophical base upon which Circus Oz was founded. Many of the original members of Circus Oz were active in the new wave of Australian performance and brought to the company attitudes that were forged and developed during that time... (more...)

New Biographies

New Videos

  • Katja Schumann, The CourierAn equestrian presentation created by Andrew Ducrow in 1827 as ''The Courier of St. Petersburg'', in which a rider stands on two galloping horses, one foot on each, and allows other horses to pass between his mounts, catching their reins as they pass, eventually holding the reins a group of galloping horses in front of him. (Also known in French as ''La Poste''.) (1989)
  • Olivier & Melinda, Hand-to-Hand Balancing (1989)
  • Pedro Reis, Cloud Swing (1989)
  • Vince Bruce, Trick Roper (1989)
  • David Rosaire, Dog Act (1989)

Featured Oral Histories

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
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