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In The Spotlight
CAROLA WILLIAMS
To write a history of Circus Williams is tantamount to write a biography of its co-founder and, for most of its existence, sole owner, the remarkable Carola Williams (1903-1987). Heiress to the oldest and most important German circus dynasty, the Althoffs, she ran from 1945 to 1968 a very successful circus, which presented elegant shows with excellent artists and outstanding equestrian and animal acts, and was a breeding ground for three of the best animal trainers of the second half of the twentieth century: Charly Baumann, Gunther Gebel-Williams, and Gerd Siemoneit.
Carola Althoff was born on December 1, 1903 in Bad Sassendorf, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Her father, Dominik Althoff (1882-1974), represented the "Rheinesche Line" (Rhine Line) of this ancient and extensive circus family. He and his wife, Adele, née Mark, had eight children: Carola, Sabine (1906-1978), Helene (1907-1991), Franz (1908-1987), Henriette (1910-2004), Minna (1911-1987), Adolf (1913-1998), and Jeanette (1915-1987), of whom Carola was the eldest. Dominik Athoff had founded the circus that bore his name in 1905, and was a respected director and equestrian.... (more...)
New Biographies
- Circus Williams, History
- Dosov Troupe, Teeterboard
- Camilio Mayer, High Wire Artist
- James Washington Myers, Circus Owner
- Dmitry Chernov, Juggler
New Videos
- Louis & Franco Knie, Elephant Act (1973)
- Franco, Louis, Frédy, Erika & Mary-José Knie, High School Act (1973)
- Merdenov Troupe, Cossack Riding (2005)
- The Cranes, Flying Act (2005)
- Gilbert Houcke, Tiger Act (1966)
- The Dosov Troupe, Teeterboard Act (2005)
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. So keep visiting us: even if today you don't find what you're looking for, it may well be here tomorrow! And if you are a serious circus scholar and spot a factual or historical inaccuracy, do not hesitate to contact us: we will definitely consider your remarks and suggestions.
- Dominique Jando
- Editor/Curator
