ABSTRACT

This collection aims to map a diversity of approaches to the artform by creating a 360° view on the circus.

The three sections of the book, Aesthetics, Practice, Culture, approach aesthetic developments, issues of artistic practice, and the circus’ role within society. This book consists of a collection of articles from renowned circus researchers, junior researchers, and artists. It also provides the core statements and discussions of the conference UpSideDown—Circus and Space in a graphic recording format. Hence, it allows a clear entry into the field of circus research and emphasizes the diversity of approaches that are well balanced between theoretical and artistic point of views.

This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of circus studies, emerging disciples of circus and performance.

chapter |17 pages

Introduction

Welcome to the wonderland of contemporary circus

part I|22 pages

Circus meaning

chapter 1|13 pages

Circus does not exist

chapter 2|7 pages

“La Putyka” by Cirk La Putyka

A glimpse at Czech contemporary circus

part II|81 pages

Circus practice

chapter 3|4 pages

On mutations of forms, style, and meaning

From a traditional to a contemporary trapeze act

chapter 4|8 pages

Articulating hand-balancing

Finding space for critical self-transformation

chapter 6|16 pages

Hamlet

To have written or not to have written for the tightwire

chapter 7|13 pages

Verticality, gravity, sense of balance. Transmitting a technique, conveying a sensation

Practices and discourses of circus arts teachers

chapter 8|15 pages

Reading circus

Dramaturgy on the border of art and academia

part III|72 pages

Circus culture

chapter 10|11 pages

Circus between technique and technology

Heideggerian “enframing” and the contested space of free expression

chapter 11|17 pages

Chaplin, Brecht, Fo

Toward a concept of epic clowning

chapter 12|8 pages

To walk the tightwire

chapter 14|16 pages

Cheerful, nostalgic, melancholic

Mood in circus