14 July,2011 09:10 AM IST | | pooja singh
Get set for some spellbounding arial acts as Mongolian circus troupe Acromania showcase their moves in the Delhi
Circus is one of the oldest forms of entertainment that people know of. Clowns might freak out some but can be amusing for others. Bringing you the nostalgia of svelte girls pendulating in air, athletic bodies swinging on
trapeze and jokers performing their outlandish acts, a Mongolian troupe is in the Capital to tickle your funny bone.
The hula hoop act
But this is not your regular circus. For one, you wouldn't find any animals following the ringmaster's instructions. Secondly, the most of the stunts performed are arial. No wonder they areu00a0 calling themselves Acromania.
Established in 1941, the circus isu00a0 in its 70th year of performance. This is the first time they are visiting India and the Capital is where they have decided to give their premier performance. The 90-minute show comprising 15 splendid acts is inspired by Mongolian culture and feature 20 well known Mongolian artists.
Speaking on bringing the international show to India, Viraf Sarkari, Director, Wizcraft International ntertainment said: "Mongolian circus is renowned for its skillful performances, wealth of talent and bouquet of acts. It will be anu00a0 overwhelming experience for the Indian audience. By bringing Acromania, we have provided parents with a chance to give the same experience to their kids which they once enjoyed in their childhood. Circus is dying in our country and this is an effort to revive it."
Kingdom of Dreams has come up with a dynamic state of the art theatre for this circus. This is conceptualised to offer good aerial views and enjoy breathtaking feats in the air. This theatre will be later used to host other international shows," he further added.
About the show
A group of people enter the stage skipping, performing various balancing acts and somersaulting. This is followed by a hulahoop act, with females gyrating to the background music with rings all around their body. Soon you'll find a group of four male artists jumping up in the air only to land on a foam mattress held by other teammates.
As soon as you begin to think that this was all to the amusement, the next feat proves you wrong. Seldom do you find artists throwing their fellow teammate in the air to form human pillars and then mould them into formations of different sorts. The shadow acts performed by troupe hanging mid air, the contortions, the acrobatic are of the most innovative order and rare. The flawless music echoes through the theatre and fill lights add drama to the entire show.
"We have tried to combine traditional aspects of the Mongolian circus with the technical capabilities of the auditorium," says Anindita Menon, creative director of the show. "The circus is a reflection of Mongolian culture, their national music and dancing. The tickets are priced targeting family and children," said Viraf.
Recently, flash mobs were conducted by the Mongolian troupe in Delhi and NCR which received an enthusiastic response.
At a time when the Indian circus industry is struggling with challenges like financing, performance license requirements and stricter animal regulations, it's good to see a troupe coming here and perform. Delhiites can go and enjoy an evening with their kids and family, but the larger questions still loom. Will Acromania provide a boost to the dying tradition of circus in the country or will it just be a standalone come-enjoy-go performance? Time will tell.
Did you know?
The members of the troupe has been awarded the prestigious accoladeu00a0 Monte Carlo 'Silver Clown' for the Mongolian based contortion performance.
At Natuanki Mahal, Kingdom Of Dreams, Gurgaon
Timings 6pm onwards
On Till August 7
Price Rs 500 onwards (Tuesday to Thursday), Rs 750 onwards (Friday to Sunday)
Ring 0124-4528000
