The Great Royal Circus now in the city is providing great entertainment during the summer holidays to the people of Tiruchi and the neighbouring districts. People are thronging the circus being conducted three shows a day at the National College ground here since the first fortnight of last month for 46 days to conclude on May 24.
As many as 150 circus artistes, including 35 women, were performing a number of shows thrilling the audience. Besides, the children are attracted by the feats of elephants, camels, horses, dogs and parrots.
M.Umesh, Manager of the Great Royal Circus, told The Hindu on Tuesday that the company was established more than a century ago in 1906 and conducted shows in various parts of India and also in 24 countries. It is the only circus which toured the globe extensively for about 21 years.
For the first time, a seven-member African troupe led by Joseph Antony is performing various types of gymnastics and other risky feats. Similarly, two Chinese girls are displaying their talents in ring dance and gymnastics.
He said that the children were attracted by elephant cricket, ring balance, dancing horse and fast riding and circling by the horses, group dance by camels, dogs carrying umbrellas and cycling and rickshawpulling by parrots.
Mr. Umesh pointed out that the Centre should come forward to help the circus artistes by launching welfare measures including pension, etc. He said the Kerala Government had introduced pension and some other benefits to the circus artistes and pointed out the Kerala Government had proposed to set up a Circus Academy in Tellicherry. He said that all the circus artistes including Indians, Africans, Chinese and Russians were well trained in their respective fields including motor cycle riding in the steel globe and jumping long distance in a motorcycle.
P.Ramasamy, a teacher who came with his two children, said that the two-and-a-half-hour circus show was unique as new items have been been introduced. He pointed out that the performance by the clowns was a major attraction.
