Circuses Stuck Around the World! Updated 6/10/2020
Zirka Circus First Event in Taranaki Since Before Lockdown
After curating and reading countless stories of devastation and resilience, I’m pleased to share a cautious shift in the narrative. With many adaptations and compliances, Zirka Circus took a breath, and launched their show series in Taranaki.
“We’re just happy to be up and running.” – Paul Johnson, Zirka Circus general manager
Coronavirus: Drive-in Circus Opens in Germany
As an innovative response to social distancing, “Germany’s first drive-in circus has opened in the city of Recklinghausen, where most of the circus stunts are displayed on a LED screen and artists perform in front of am audience watching from their cars.”
Circus in Crisis: Even if the Tent Goes Up, the Problems Won’t Go Away
Performers at Circus Gerbola have been locked down in Ireland since restrictions were implemented, and in this powerful & personal article/video combination, address a looming future of insurance hikes & reduced capacity.
“We’ll have to reduce capacity by two-thirds for social distancing and our insurance is climbing. This year it jumped 78 per cent. When that happened we’d a big decision to make about continuing. But we’ve put so much into this, you’re talking about a lifetime’s work.” – Tara Gerbola, Circus Gerbola
The Circus Came to Town, Then it Couldn’t Leave
Stuck on the outskirts of Rome, the Rony Roller Circus contemplates its next move as they juggle quarantine restrictions and a sudden eviction from their temporary home. With much uncertainty, the best bet is staying together.
“Better in the company,” she said was the consensus, “with my people.” – Daniela Vassallo, Rony Rollers Circus
Circus Industry Readies for Final Curtain Call
Circuses across India share their concerns for their survival as an industry, given the countless obstacles they must face. From longstanding setbacks, to consequences resulting from today’s coronavirus, these companies are both hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.
“Though we have been innovating, it is just a matter of time that the industry will vanish if no help comes.” – K M Sanjeev, Great Bombay Circus
Circus Group in Colombia Vows Show Must Go On
Circus Gasca takes to the virtual stage during the COVID-19 lockdown, sharing a dose of resilience and entertainment with the online community, live from their stage in Colombia.
See the Full Video at CGTN
Stranded German Circus Faces Uncertain Future
While idle in Germany, Circus Altano performers are catching up on repair work while unable to stage performances during the pandemic. Even with the hope of lifted restrictions, Josef Traenkler explains the difficulty of restarting operations.
“If you’re a hairdresser or a shop, the restrictions are lifted and you can just open again. But we have to plan weeks in advance.” – Josef Traenkler, Circus Altano
Show Must Go On for Circus ‘Cocooning’ in Tralee
Tralee was the last touring stop for Circus Vegas, but on 12 March, it became their makeshift home. Despite their struggles, the performers and workers maintain a level head and look on the bright side of this pandemic.
“Of course there are some horrible things happening in the world, and my heart goes out to anyone who is going through it, but we do try and keep positive around here and try to look at the positive of everything.” – Kourtney Victoria, Circus Vegas
Clowns, Jugglers & Gymnasts in Traveling Circus are Stuck in Texas Parking Lot Amid Lockdown
International Circus Stranded in New Mexico Amid COVID-19
Do Portugal, a circus from Mexico, finds themselves stranded in New Mexico, USA. All things considered, the troupe is looking on the bright side and showing appreciation for local help.
“Thankfully, people from Eastern New Mexico State Fair—they gave us, you can say a home, for these tough times and they’re letting us stay here. We have water, we have electricity, we are safe.” – Do Portugal’s manager, Damian Portugal
Stranded Big Kid Circus Plans Annual Free Show to Thank Morecambe Community for Keeping Them Fed
Temporarily stuck in Morecambe, the 35 cast members of Big Kid Circus have been unable to leave the circus site for weeks, but have received help from the council, the foodbank and local residents.
“We have had food banks helping us and now we are being supportive of them too, we are volunteering by driving and helping them do deliveries on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It has been really heart warming.” – Julia Kirilova, Big Kid Circus
COVID-19: Assam’s Circus Group Members Stranded in Kokrajhar Finally Get Support
Virus Halts Travelling Circus in Netherlands
Do you have a story to share? Submit your news story, article or press release.
From self-quarantining to social distancing, feeling “stuck” is a unanimous condition we’re experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. But in the cases of these circus troupes and performers, COVID-19 has halted their tours and left them eerily and utterly stuck around the globe. This bizarre phenomenon is challenging their way of life, testing their survival skills, and sending us perspectives & voices from the truly stuck. This is an ongoing collection…