Not just for small children then? Riga Circus

May 08, 2008
By Monica Hanley

RIGA - When friends invited me to go the Riga Circus, I thought, “What, are we in third grade?” I was pleasantly surprised, however, too see a show that was not only funny and entertaining, but also slightly death defying.
After buying a five-lat ticket, we were ushered into the dim, horse-scented tent-like building that has housed the circus since 1888. While waiting for the show to begin several little kids rode around on a pony and dog drawn sleighs. My friends and I looked around at all the children in the audience and wondered if maybe this really was meant for the under 12 crowd. 

The show began (as many events in Latvia do) with loud techno music, followed by an acrobatic act close to the top of the tent, with no nets and no apparent safety precautions in place. Needless to say, my palms got a little sweaty as I watch the performers hang on a bar by their toes and flip back upwards again, to be caught by the others feet.
The acts came one right after another, balancing, hoop acrobatics, tightrope walking and even a few magic tricks.

The circus continued with typical acts; jugglers, trained  but  thin  bears riding on skate boards, scantily clad contortionists, whole families of amazing gymnasts and, of course, audience participation which made more than a few children cry. I was mildly disappointed that there was no fire for people to jump through, or sharp objects and chainsaws, but considering the state of the safety precautions, it was probably a good thing.
After seeing just how many people and animals relied on my 5-lat ticket, I felt like I probably would have even paid more to see the show. It lasted two hours with a short break, there was no nudity – as there often is in many theatre and ballet events – and we got a good laugh out of it.  

The circus celebrates its 120th anniversary this year, and the performance is a great opportunity to look at one of the most interesting buildings in the city, which subtly dominates Merkala Street.  Famous circus artist Alberts Salamonskis commissioned the building, which was designed by J.F Baumanis – an already famous architect in Riga for many 19th century buildings.  It was built in the shape of a big top, and the bright colors and fantastical design will entrance both young circus fans and the youthful at heart.
The spring season is ending in mid-May, but the summer season should be starting soon after that, with new acts and new animals. Performances generally start at 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00 

www.cirks.lv




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