Circus Days Are Here Again

The Great Mongolian Circus,which is celebrating its 70th year,has pitched up tent at the Kingdom of Dreams,Gurgaon,and presented a preview of their show on Wednesday. If you have grown up reading circus stories,this is a chance to experience it live — the acrobats pulling off stunts,clowns with red noses,and performers so flexible that they don’t seem to have a bone in their bodies.

The Circus has performed in the US and China among other countries,and their 90-minute performance for India,titled Acromania,has been designed by Anindita Menon,the creative director and producer of the hit musical Zangoora. One of the highlights of Acromania is the aerial stunt by acrobats wearing colourful body suits,tight buns and cheerful smiles. In another performance,two girls suspend themselves mid-air from plastic rings and create shadow formations.

The most dangerous stunt comes towards the end — six artists play catch with a fellow trouper who is flung from one man’s arm to another one’s shoulder. This one keeps you on the edge of your seat and marvelling at the precision and agility of the performers. The stunts are accompanied by flawless surround sound and incredible lighting.

No circus is complete without the clowns and jugglers,but we were a bit disappointed with the jokers. Even though they pulled people to the stage and interacted with the audience,the two clowns were far from funny. The jugglers made up for this — we

wonder how they managed to keep 10 items in the air

at once.

Acromania will be performed till August 6 at Nautanki Mahal at Kingdom of Dreams,Gurgaon.

Tickets: Rs 500-Rs 2,500