[EFI] História do circo

Summary

This lecture explores the rich history of the circus, from its ancient origins in pagan rituals to its evolution into modern entertainment. It covers the circus's roots in Roman and Chinese performances, the influence of Comédia dell'Arte, and the birth of the modern circus by figures like Philip Astley. The script also delves into the circus's arrival in Brazil, its cultural integration, and the role of circus families in its development. Highlighting figures like Benjamin de Oliveira, the lecture emphasizes the circus's social impact and its transformation into a vital educational tool in Brazil.

Takeaways

• 😀 The history of circus is intertwined with the development of the art form itself, starting from ancient rituals and evolving through various cultural practices.
• 😀 Circus performances in ancient cultures, such as Roman circuses, often involved gladiators, chariot races, and wild animal shows in large arenas, which differs significantly from modern circus.
• 😀 The Chinese influence on circus can be traced to early celebrations like the Lunar New Year festivals, where circus acts were formally included through a royal decree.
• 😀 The Italian Commedia dell'arte played a significant role in shaping the modern circus, introducing improvisational performance and street theater that was accessible to common people.
• 😀 Medieval equestrian arts, where acrobatic performances on horseback were central, were crucial in the development of modern circus acts.
• 😀 Street performers, or 'saltimbancos,' were pivotal in early circus forms in Europe, often showcasing exotic animals and acrobatics, linking circuses to the colonial expansion.
• 😀 The evolution of the modern circus in the 18th century was significantly influenced by Philip Astley, who integrated equestrian acrobatics, clown performances, and storytelling into a fixed arena.
• 😀 In Brazil, circus arrived in the 17th century, initially with small independent troupes, but evolved by the 19th century into a more organized form with family-based circus companies.
• 😀 Circus companies in the 19th century were often family-run, with generational ties or marriages contributing to the unity and continuity of the troupe's performances.
• 😀 The emergence of 'circus theaters' in Brazil by the late 19th century incorporated theatrical elements alongside traditional circus acts, presenting variety shows and dramatic plays.
• 😀 Benjamin de Oliveira, a prominent Brazilian circus artist, became one of the first famous black clowns in Brazil, symbolizing the importance of African heritage in circus arts.
• 😀 The integration of circus into education became more prominent in the late 20th century, with specialized circus schools being established in Brazil to provide formal training in circus arts.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of the circus in ancient cultures?

The circus has deep historical roots, initially tied to pagan rituals and festivities, especially in honor of fertility gods. In ancient civilizations like Rome, the circus served both as entertainment and a space for social and political expression, showcasing spectacles such as gladiator fights and animal exhibitions.

How did the commedia dell'arte influence the development of modern circus?

The commedia dell'arte, an improvisational form of theatre that originated in Italy, influenced modern circus by introducing comedic performances. These outdoor shows, typically held in public spaces like squares and fairs, became a vehicle for resistance to elite art forms, thus shaping the popular nature of the circus.

Who is credited with the creation of the modern circus, and what was his contribution?

Philip Astley, a British equestrian, is credited with the creation of modern circus in the 18th century. He combined equestrian performances, acrobatics, and clowning into a structured show, using a round arena called a 'picadeiro,' which became a standard feature of modern circuses.

What role did circus families play in the development of circuses in Brazil?

Circus families played a crucial role in the establishment and organization of circuses in Brazil, especially from the 19th century onward. These families often traveled across Brazil, creating permanent circuses and forming tight-knit communities that contributed to the cultural fabric of Brazilian circus arts.

How did the circus evolve in Brazil in terms of structure and social significance?

In Brazil, the circus evolved from informal street performances by independent artists to more structured family-run operations by the 19th century. It became a key cultural activity, influencing not only entertainment but also social interactions, with circuses often featuring a mix of theater, comedy, and acrobatics.

What was the importance of children in the circus, and how were they trained?

Children were seen as vital to the survival and continuity of circus traditions. They were trained in a variety of circus disciplines, including acrobatics, clowning, and animal care. The circus served as a constant educational environment, teaching both the technical aspects of performance and practical life skills necessary for circus survival.

How did circus arts become integrated into formal education in Brazil?

In the 20th century, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, circus arts became integrated into formal education through the establishment of circus schools. This movement addressed the challenges of urbanization, the lack of trained artists, and the need for more formalized circus education in Brazil.

What challenges did Brazilian circuses face in the second half of the 20th century?

Brazilian circuses faced significant challenges in the second half of the 20th century, including a lack of urban space for performances, difficulty in hiring foreign artists due to high costs, and the general decline in traditional circus attendance. These challenges spurred the creation of circus schools and other initiatives to revitalize the art form.

How did the circus influence the development of physical education methods in Europe?

In the 18th and 19th centuries, as industrialization spread in Europe, circus techniques were incorporated into physical education methods. These methods, which were focused on preparing workers for factory life and moral discipline, included acrobatic and strength-building exercises inspired by the circus.

What role did the circus play in social mobility and cultural exchange in Brazil?

The circus in Brazil acted as a space for social mobility, especially for marginalized individuals. Artists who were once slaves or from lower social classes could join the circus and gain recognition. The circus also facilitated cultural exchange, bringing together people from different regions and social backgrounds, fostering community interaction.