How to reinvent the magic of old world charm

MAGIC OF CIRCUS: Today Indian circus owners are trying to cash in on Russian artists.

      

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Keywords: Reinvent, Indian Circus

New Delhi: It's true that today the great Indian circus has lost a lot of its magic. But surely something can be done to reinvent it and give it a new lease of life. Can a little institutional support and some out of the box ideas help the circus bounce back to life?

Natasha, Russian artist, has grown up performing for the Moscow Circus in Russia. This is her fourth visit to India and she's showcasing her talent in the Great Bombay Circus.

Natasha says Russian circus combines drama and cultural history with great performances and that's what keeps it alive. Today Indian circus owners are trying to cash in on Russian artists by roping them in on a regular basis.

Natasha says, “All circus want Russian artist and now coming people because want see wow how working Russian artist.”

But unlike Russia there's no support for circus from the government in India. Circus is not even recognized as an art form here. Experts say bringing in policy is tough because there's no formal census on the number of people involved.

Craft Revival Trust Managing Trustee Ritu Sethi says, “The minute a number is put to it and it is seen as a vote bank, there will be, let me assure you, a great deal of political will behind it.”

“We need to have performance spaces, which are open and accessible not only by our greatest musicians and dancers but also by itinerant performers. And, I would like to include circuses in that group also,” Sethi adds.

Like circus, a few years back this Maharashtrian sport mallakhamb was barely surviving. But initiatives from the Government and citizens are paying off. Mallakhamb has been recognised as a traditional sport and its sportspersons are now honoured with awards. It will even be showcased at the 2010 Commonwealth games.

Mallakhamb Federation of India President Khanade Bindusar says, “From last year government is funding us and in central government sports policy, they identified mallakhamb as special indigenous game and in their thrust area they're going to try to develop mallakhamb at international level.”