Spaces and technologies of the circus spectacle

Abstract

Contemporary circus is a complex, interdisciplinary form of performing arts. The new circus was built on the basis of the traditional one, but it is more complex than it and brings a combination of elements of acrobatics, dance and drama theater, shadow theater, puppet theater, as well as contemporary visual arts and digital technologies. The circus spectacle, its architectural concept and its content, have changed over the centuries, following social events and the cultural framework of the time. Although the spectacle is still adapting and changing, we ask the question, whether stationary circuses have managed to adapt and transform for the needs of modern society. In this paper, through a brief history of the circus spectacle and important typological characteristics of the objects, one of the most significant objects of this spectacle will be analysed.