Rendering №6

The article “UK's best circus performerswill compete in bid to develop a 'British Cirque du Soleil” was published on February 24, 2013 in “The Guardian”. The author, Vanessa Thorpe, informs us about nationwide search for acts in effort to prevent homegrown talent moving abroad for work. It is necessary to note that Britain has lost a generation of highly-trained performers to circus troupes based abroad. The correspondent tells that the first nationwide attempt to keep more skilled entertainers working on these shores will be launched Monday. Circus Space, the only training organisation in Britain that offers a degree in circus skills, will announce a competition to find the best new acts and keep them performing inside British big tops. It is mentioned that the popularity of visiting productions from foreign troupes such as Canada's Cirque du Soleil, Archaos from France and Fuerzabruta from Argentina, combined with the key role played by aerialists in major national events – such as the show in the Millennium Dome on New Year's Eve 1999 and the Olympic and Paralympic opening ceremonies last year – have all helped to establish circus as a contemporary art form in Britain.

Analyzing the situation it is interesting to point out that while a growing number of people of all ages have been drawn to take training courses, few have found work here. The problem has been that this theatre tradition is so text-based, while in Europe there is a strong tradition of visual and circus entertainment and there are very few opportunities for graduates here. The reporter stresses that the hunt to be called Circus Maximus will start this week and is being jointly run by Underbelly Productions and Circus Space. It will culminate in a live competition performed for the public in London, where the best act will win £5,000 as well as the chance to develop a new show with Underbelly, the producers of a number of high-profile circus shows in recent years, including the Australian productions Cantina and Tom Tom Crew. Makin describes Britain as "a hotbed of world-class circus talent", providing acts for the best companies in the world.

It is mentioned that with free entry, potential competitors from both professional troupes and amateur clubs – with skills ranging from tumbling and uni-cycling to globe walking – are invited to come forward before 24 March. The author concludes the article that the winners of the heats, plus a wild card contender to be chosen by the judges, will then perform together in the finals – a full-blown circus show. The overall winner will be announced after the final show on 1 June.  As for me, I think that this type of art is terrific because artists in circus should have very specific abilities. Britain makes a good attempt to engage British people to work in their country. I think this show will attract lots of audience and participants.