The first year of the international festival Circus, Circus, which will introduce the cream of European circus art, will be held in Incheba Arena on 13th and 14th February.
“It became obvious to us that the Czech cultural scene lacks lustre in the circus scene which has been looked down on in recent years,” said the Festival President Artur Kaiser, who comes from a family with a long tradition of outstanding circus artists.
The best ones can’t be seen here
“Even though the Czech Republic has many great circus artists, who represent the country abroad, the audience in the Czech Republic generally doesn’t stand a chance of seeing them in their home country. We are proud to entice not only them but also their European colleagues into giving Czech audience a unique chance to enjoy the crème de la crème of circus art,” A. Kaiser promised.
Inspiration comes from Monte Carlo
The festival organisers got their inspiration from the festival in Monte Carlo which has a tradition going back more than 30 years and among its regular guests are the Royal family from Monaco and many film stars, such as Jean Paul Belmondo. The first year of the event is held under the auspices of Prague Mayor Pavel Bém.
What is in store?
The organiser of the festival, Artur Kaiser, is looking forward to the show of seals which will travel all the way from the UK to entertain Czech audiences. “It is wonderful to see how these playful animals enjoy themselves; I hugely enjoy the amazing interaction between them and the trainer. In addition, I believe that the audience will be enthralled by the Moroccan artists. I also have high expectations of the Czech representatives, “said A. Kaiser.
They have to stop in Olšany
The panel of judges will be chaired by Czech actor Bolek Polívka. “I know circus well, we travelled with a circus together with Boris Hybner, Ctibor Turba. I know what it is all about, the hard work involved as well as the joy that goes hand in hand with performing. I confess I feel honoured that I have the opportunity to work as the first chairman of this wonderful event that will surely grow to enjoy spectacular fame,” said B. Polívka. He also pushed through his wish that the autumn circus tour will make one of its stops in his home town of Olšany.
What else?
Additionally we can look forward to one of the most beautiful tents. It will be borrowed from France to host the cream of circus art at first in Prague and then in Brno, Olšany and Ostrava. “We don’t want to compete with Czech circuses. Our plan is to find our own niche. We will, for example offer a live orchestra and we obviously count on participation by many foreign stars as well as our singers. Additionally, we are working with Bolek on a big show which we may broadcast on TV at the end of the year, said A. Kaiser.
Master in its field
The festival’s organiser Artur Kaiser comes from the old family of circus artists. “For example my grandfather was awarded in memoriam for the contribution to puppet-making craft and I am a record holder in balance disciplines,” said Artur Kaiser. It is sad that people tend to look down on Czech circus these days but I hope this will change soon.”
Source: www.praha.eu
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