Опубликован 24.01.2026
Ключевые слова
- Circus art, contemporary circus, circus evolution, narrative performance, theatricality, human-centric performance, animal-free circus, ethical transformation, digital scenography, projection mapping
Как цитировать
Аннотация
This article examines the profound transformation of circus art in the 21st century, tracing its evolution from a traditional spectacle centered on sequential acts, animal performances, and the iconic big-top environment to a contemporary interdisciplinary art form grounded in narrative, theatricality, and human expression. As animal acts decline due to ethical and legislative shifts, the human body becomes the primary medium of artistic communication, allowing for deeper emotional, narrative, and symbolic exploration. Contemporary circus integrates theatre, dance, digital technology, and scenographic innovation, creating immersive and conceptually rich performances that extend far beyond simple displays of acrobatic skill. The rise of globally influential companies, coupled with the academicization of circus education, has contributed to the emergence of performer-creators who blend physical mastery with dramaturgical intent. This abstract outlines how modern circus reinterprets its historical heritage while embracing new aesthetic, ethical, and technological possibilities, establishing itself as a dynamic and sophisticated component of the global performing arts landscape.
Библиографические ссылки
- Stoddart, H. (2000). Rings of desire: Circus history and representation. Manchester University Press.
- Burtt, J., & Lavers, K. (2017). Re-imagining the development of circus artists for the twenty-first century. Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, 8(2), 143-155.
- Wittmann, M. (2021). The origins and growth of the modern circus. The Cambridge Companion to the Circus, 19-34.
- Jürgens, A. S. (Ed.). (2020). Circus, science and technology: Dramatising innovation. Springer Nature.