Popular Theatre: Circus Performance and History

Popular Theatre: Circus Performance and History explores both historical and contemporary circus performances, through the integration of circus history, freak shows, performance studies, disability studies, and animal studies. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the cultural, social, and ethical dimensions of these art forms.

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The multimedia Popular Theatre: Circus Performance and History collection emphasizes monographs and videos, offering critical perspectives on circus culture from historic traveling shows to modern performances. Included videos showcase live performances and provide insightful narratives on the art form’s history, challenges, and cultural impact. Featured titles include performances from the Tomorrow's Circus World Festival and the Monte Carlo Circus Festival, as well as documentaries like Mabel, Mabel, Tiger Trainer and Afghanistan: Acrobats for Peace.

Key Themes Covered

Circus Artistry:

Use varied primary source materials to analyze different types of performance in circus acts, as well as the historical and societal shifts in entertainment trends over time.
Transition from animal-centered performances to human-focused acts.
Adoption of narrative-driven spectacles and innovative technologies.

Ethical Treatment of Performers and Animals:

Examine standards, training methods, and attitudes towards performers and animals using multi-media resources, revealing changes in societal values and industry practices over time.
Examination of regulations governing animal welfare and performer safety.
Analyze public discourse on exploitation and compassion within the circus community.

Disability Studies and Circus:

Investigate disability representation using varied archival materials, uncovering broader issues of identity and societal perceptions within the circus.
Explore historical portrayals of performers with disabilities.
Examination of the disability community within circus ensembles.

Highlighted video titles:

Mabel, Mabel, Tiger (2018), Bayview Entertainment: A captivating documentary on the life of Mabel Stark, the pioneering woman who defied the odds to become the first female tiger trainer in the circus.

Cirkafrika 3 (2017), Windrose SAS: Experience the rich cultural tapestry of Africa brought to life on stage through electrifying circus performances by Cirque Phénix, celebrating the continent's diverse talent and heritage.

The Sum oOf Our Dreams (2021), Windrose SAS: A film showcasing Canada's National Circus School students as they express their dreams and desires through mesmerizing circus acts in a surreal forest setting.

Les vies secrètes des marionnettes (2022), L'Harmattan: A documentary following Renaud Robert's search for the lost marionettes of Marcel Temporal and his son Jean-Loup, prominent figures in the art of puppetry.