The History and Future of the Circus; Plus, How Cirque du Soleil is Leading a New Concept of the Circus

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First, we talk with Jennifer Lécuyer, artistic director for KOOZA, a production by Cirque du Soleil, who explains the history of the entertainment company, the process of crafting their performances, and how they’ve reimagined the traditional circus.

KOOZA is currently in Houston until March 5, 2023, at Sam Houston Race Park. For more information, click here.

Then, we discuss the history of the traditional American circus, with Linda Simon, author of The Greatest Shows on Earth: A History of the Circus and Bruce Hawley, President of the Circus Historical Society. They explain the beginnings of the circus, how it captivated audiences everywhere through spectacle, as well as share their thoughts on criticisms of the circus and its future.

Plus, Les Standiford, author of Battle for the Big Top, joins the conversation to discuss the rivalry between three major circus figures, P.T. Barnum, James Bailey, and John Ringling and how it led to the creation of the circus.

Guests:

Jennifer Lécuyer

Artistic Director of KOOZA, a touring circus production by Cirque du Soleil

Linda Simon

Author, The Greatest Shows on Earth: A History of the Circus

Bruce Hawley

President, Circus Historical Society

Les Standiford

Author, Battle for the Big Top: P.T. Barnum, James Bailey, John Ringling, and the Death-Defying Saga of the American Circus

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