Circus is an example of performing arts. It has gymnastics, clowns, dare devil acts, magic tricks, trapeze and animal acts. There is sound and light effect. In India, it is housed in a tent set up on rented ground. Abroad, the circus evolved into a theatrical appeal, story telling and musical extravaganza. Abroad, the circus is staged in theatres, and not in outside tents.
Thalassery is the Kerala’s circus town.Most artistes in an Indian circus are drawn from this area.
The first acquaiantance with the wild life of a child starts with a circus. But a few years ago, the animal acts have been banned.Recently, the Supreme Court has banned the acts of child artistes.
In India, there were 22 registered circuses in 2002. In 2011, there were only 14 circuses. The decline is real. The circus industry must reinvent itself. There is a need for innovation. In the West, circuses have studios attached where they research new techniques. In Europe, there are permanent theatres for circuses.
The Cirque du Soleil of Canada is a successful circus in profits. The Ringling Brothers of the US is also very sucessful. In India, due to lack of grounds in the cities, their high rentals and lesser patronage in the cities, the circus shows have shifted to smaller towns.