There are very few people in the world who do not like to go to the circus. This type of entertainment is to the liking of many, and especially children. Well, how can one not admire the enchanting performances of aerialists, breathtaking performances of jugglers or the mystical tricks of illusionists? And the clowns? These are generally the most favorite artists of children. Circus performances are a great way to have fun. The stationary Kiev circus is known not only in Ukraine, but also in many foreign countries. This is a wonderful place where not only residents of the country, but also tourists strive to get. The history of the institution is rich and interesting, as are the ideas that go on in it.
The general history of the appearance of the circus in Kiev
Before you talk about how the Kiev Circus arose, which today bears the title of national and is located at 2 Victory Square , it is necessary to mention how such entertainment appeared in the Ukrainian capital. It all started in 1797, when the famous Contract Fair was transferred from Dubno to Kiev. Since ancient times, no fair or market square has been complete without performances staged by theatrical vagrant troupes.
That is why in Kiev, on Kontraktova Square, in addition to shopping counters, circus tents appeared. They were erected from the boards: several rows of benches were arranged around the arena. They were intended for a wealthy public. The poor audience was located in the so-called corrals - standing places located behind shops. In the center of the arena stood a pillar that supported a canvas or calico dome.
Both local artists and troupes from abroad performed in these booths.
Circus in Kiev in the 19th century
The stationary Kiev circus, the one that is known to the audience today, appeared only in the 60s of the last century. And until the middle of the XIX century in the capital of Ukraine there was no permanent circus. For regularly held performances, the artists used wood decorations, which were characterized by mobility. From time to time, a temporary circus was installed, covered with a tarp. One can speak about the stationary circus in Kiev since 1868. At this time, the Frenchman Auguste Bergonye bought a land plot, the area of which reached 1059 soot 2 . The site was located at the crossroads of modern Pushkinskaya and B. Khmelnitsky streets. Today it houses the National Academic Theater of Russian Drama.
On December 28, 1875, the August Circus of Auguste Bergonier opens in Kiev, which was called Alcazar. Prince V. Obolensky became the director of the new institution. Among the guests and residents of Kiev, circus performances were extremely successful. 60 leading artists worked here, actors from the San Carlos Theater and popular English clowns constantly toured. In addition, the staff of such a circus also had 35 musicians, as well as a stable for 40 animals.
National Circus of Ukraine in Kiev
The Kiev circus, the address of which is indicated above, originates from 1960. The institution building can simultaneously accommodate 2100 people. The construction is a monumental three-story building with a colonnade near the entrance. A semicircular wide staircase leads to the building. The domed cover is completed by a small tower and a spire. The architectural design of such a pompous structure was developed by Kiev V. Zhukov.
The outer cladding is made in light shades: the columns are finished with Inkerman stone, the walls with ceramic tiles, and the plinths with pink granite. In order to build a domed cover, the craftsmen used innovative technology. The surface layer of the dome is five cone-like belts, each of which was assembled from 32 identical reinforced concrete panels.
In 1998, the Kiev State Circuit was given the status of national, which provided it from a legal point of view the right to be called the main circus of Ukraine.
How the circus works
The Kiev circus, a photo of which can be viewed in our article, has been actively working for ten months a year. The rest of the time the troupe toured the world. Nowadays, artists of various circus genres work in the institution. There is also a ballet troupe and a wonderful music ensemble. And not so long ago, the technical base of the institution became much better. Thanks to her, the artistic perception of representations has become several times better.
The glorious tradition of the National Kiev Circus is the creation of programs at the highest world level.
Who will say what
Reviews of the Kiev circus are always only positive. Viewers claim that they come here in order to cheer themselves up and teach their children to the world of art and illusion. According to the audience, real professionals work in the circus, who can capture the audience’s attention with just one wave of their hand. People say that some rooms can be watched many times and they will not seem boring. All Kievans and residents of other cities of Ukraine incredibly love this circus and try to get into it as soon as possible.