Chicago Tribune: I've never seen a show quite like "Circus 1903." Note that the title is not "Cirque 1903." This is not some dreamy, ethereal proscenium entertainment, designed to capitalize on the perennial appeal of the "Cirque du Soleil." This is dat-dat-dada-dada-dada circus. Roll up, boys and girls of all ages. Touch the elephants. Watch the contortionist wriggle.
4 comments:
While this article is an overall show review and about the production as a whole, this really makes me want to know more about the puppetry that had been briefly mentioned in the middle of the article. With description of the elephant puppets and the small photo accompanying the post, they looked really nifty, and well crafted. I would be interested in learning more about the construction, or perhaps just who made them in the first place. This is probably mainly because I personally don't have much of a strong background knowledge in puppetry so the actual construction of them has always been interesting to me, especially with being in the middle of the Arcade project, where I will have to be making a sort of push puppet. Puppets aside, I also think this is a pretty fun and interesting concept for a production, considering the side of history most people are familiar with normally isn't of the circus variety.
To be honest, I never been to an actual Circus (Cirque du Soleil, doesn’t really count, and even that was only once). My mom always hated them, so it has never been on the top of the “we must do this as children” to do list. However, I do think this is a Circus that my mom will enjoy. The tradition and necessity to call a performance (as of anything) has changed over time, especially when it comes to animal cruelty. Though quite a few still use animals, using puppets as an alternative I think could be a more creative and whimsical experience. I do understand the appeal of using real animals, the sense of danger and knowledge that his wild creature could potentially harm you, but because of the environment there is still a reliance of safety. However, with the expanse of technology, you could do some pretty amazing things with artificial replicas, while still giving your audience the fantasy of the circus. I would really like to attend a performance at Circus 1903, if it was just to see how they bring this massive artificial animal to life.
In middle school I had to write a paper in a history class, that if we were alive during the 18th century what would we want our lives to look like - and I said I would want to be part of a circus. I think the classic circus idea is beautiful and an amazing art form that has stayed alive just in a different way. I really hope this show evolves into something unique and I think it has a chance, especially now that the circus has released the elephants from their performances. I am thinking most about the last points the author makes, where the script is not fully where it could be. The plot seems very interesting to me, to see a classic circus performance cones with todays technology and being able to see into the characters lives more, but if the overall feel lacks a substantial ending and has awkward spots, then it will not leave the best impression with the audience. I saw War Horse a few times, and it is one of my favorite plays because of the artistry in using the puppets and to see that on a bigger scale with more than just horses would really be interesting.
I love to see a show that pays homage to the circus of yesteryear. I am weak for anything vintage circus related and this really seems to be a show for me. I find it interesting that it brings up how it is not Cirque because it really demonstration how the circus has changed. with the closing of Barnum and Baileys / Ringling brothers we are seeing the end of an era of the traditional circus. Im happy though to see it live on through shows such as this one. It shows off the acts and amazes the audience in that classic way. The use of puppetry is really quite special i feel it not only brings to life the animals without the hassle of using real animals but it also is an act on its own. the Puppeteers fit in so wonderfully in a world of carnies and jugglers. I really hope this show dose well so that it can guide the way for shows that use these kinds of traditional circus acts and keep the art of the circus alive.
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