Title
The contemporary circus : art of the spectacular / Ernest Albrecht.
ISBN
0810857340
9780810857346
Publication Details
Lanham, Md. : Scarecrow Press, ©2006.
Language
English
Description
xiv, 262 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm
Item Number
9780810857346
Call Number
GV1801 .A43 2006
Dewey Decimal Classification
791.3
Summary
"The fun, energy, and hard work integral to the exciting world of the circus is lovingly captured in The Contemporary Circus: Art of the Spectacular, an in depth look at the creative process of today's circuses. Through numerous personal interviews with directors, designers, composers and performers, author Ernest Albrecht provides a unique inside view of the journey through which the most innovative and exciting modern circuses are produced, from the director and production team to the performers, and from designing the circus to setting it to music. Case studies of specific productions by the Big Apple Circus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, and Cirque du Soleil illuminate the artistic give-and-take necessary in such a collaborative process, proving the circus a true art form, one as artistic as theatre or dance. A variety of performers such as animal trainers, dancers, and clowns discuss their approach to their individual specialties, and the text concludes with an examination of the world's circuses and schools and their methods for training circus artists. A full photo spread of 30 beautiful photos will help inspire and enlighten artists and fans alike."--Publisher's website
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Introduction: The circus as an art form
Part I: The creative team
The director and the creative process
Designing the circus
Setting the circus to music
Part II: The collaboration (case studies)
Ringling's 131st edition
O notes
The making of a major new American spectacle
The Big Apple Circus's Clown Around Town
Part III: The performers
Circus stars
Clowns on clowning
Training the artists and building and maintaining the performance.
