Kostroma Regional Circus began its history more than 130 years ago.
The circus for a long time did not have an exact address, this is due to difficult situations in which employees of the entertainment institution fell due to lack of space for performances.
Relocation history
At the beginning of the activity, the circus was represented by a troupe of farce masters. Kostroma viewers were lucky to see their performance at the end of the 19th century. It can be assumed that the shows were held in tents, as a personal building for performances appeared much later. Temporary haven, called circus tent, did not suit the artists of the city of Kostroma.
The circus on Lenin Street was built in 1884, was well received by the actors. But he had to be disassembled. The building began to collapse, so it became unsuitable for performances. Construction began on Susaninskaya Street: for unknown reasons, the building was not completed.
At the beginning of the 20th century (1928), circus artists found their own home at the crossroads of Tekstilshchikov and Komsomolskaya Streets in the city of Kostroma. Due to its design and material, the circus lasted only 42 years. In 1970, the house burned down.
Remembering the "Old Circus" ...
Representatives of the older and middle generations to the question: "What associations do you have with the old city?" - answer in monosyllables: “Kostroma? Circus!".
The program included not only standard rooms with animals, clowns, but also performances on ice. This is probably why residents have such associations: for them, the circus was almost the only place where they could relax and have a good laugh.
Unfortunately, there were no records of the performances taking place in the very first buildings. Only memories related to the wooden frame, scummed “Old Circus” reached us. The names of the brilliant masters of the arena are inscribed in its history: tamers of lions Irina Bugrimova, artists Durov, clowns Vladimir Eizhen, Oleg Popov, Pencil and others.
An interesting fact is that the source of many issues (for example, “Yaki and Shepherd Dogs” by Vitaly Tikhonov, “Illusion Revue” by Zinaida Tarasova) became Kostroma.
Tale in Kostroma
Until the spring of 1984, artists performed only in the summer, in big tent. On the 100th anniversary of the first performance for artists and spectators, a beautiful new circus that still exists has opened its doors.
The round playpen rose on Peace Square and brought a note of grace to the wooden (at that time) city. Thanks to him, Kostroma was transformed.
The circus is distinguished by aristocracy and ease of architecture. It concisely combines materials such as brick, marble and velvet.
It is pleasant not only by the warmth radiated by the actors, but also by the interior decoration. In the bright glazed foyer you can meet participants of the show, trained circus animals and sellers with souvenirs. One, but quite roomy auditorium with 1625 seats, is equipped with soft, comfortable chairs that fall over a small but roomy arena.
Changing the morals of people: changes in newspaper articles
The circus shone not only from the pages of periodicals, but also from postage stamps and envelopes.
In almost every Kostroma newspaper, in the first years after the opening, architecture, performances, and even toilets were praised. However, after six years, interest disappeared, and soon the mercy of the journalists was replaced by blasphemy.
Publications poured from their pages frightening statements about the deplorable state of the institution. They wrote that the circus (the city of Kostroma) is on the verge of destruction, that it needs major repairs, which, unfortunately, are sorely lacking in material resources. Cheap tickets, originally sold at the box office, were replaced by unreasonably expensive ones. Lavatories made in the anti-vandal style could not withstand the influx of Kostroma inhabitants.
In 2007, the circus was closed ... Fortunately for Kostroma citizens and visitors, it was closed only for reconstruction.
In 2010, the leadership changed. The new director came to grips with the building. The foyer was glazed again, the leaking roof was covered, and the ragged walls were painted and corrected.
Long live the circus!
The circus came to life. Together, the city came to life in it. Information boards located on the streets of the city began to shout about upcoming performances.
Now in the arena of the Kostroma State Circus actors who present such famous programs as:
- "Django" is a bright exciting show with many enchanting numbers.
- “A show of water, fire and light” is a program that succinctly combines modern technologies and the gifts of nature (light, water and sound).
- “Triumph of the 21st Century” is a representation of Zapashny (the younger), which demonstrated the human ability to make cute kittens playing with mirror balls out of wild tigers.
The arena is actively used not only for circus performances, but also for concerts by pop stars. The group “Hands Up”, Elena Vaenga and Verka Serduchka, repeatedly performed here.
Now the Kostroma circus lives a full life: it receives star guests and large crowds of fans of circus art within its walls.
Where exactly is the circus located in the city of Kostroma? Its address is: Prospekt Mira, house 26.