Kyiv Circus: the story of such a wonderful entertainment in the capital of Ukraine

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

There are very few people in the world who don't like going to the circus. This type of entertainment is to the liking of many, and especially children. Well, how can one not admire the enchanting performances of aerial gymnasts, the breathtaking performances of jugglers or the mystical tricks of illusionists? And the clowns? These are generally the most favorite artists of children. Circus performances are a great way to have fun. The stationary Kyiv circus is known not only in Ukraine, but also in many foreign countries. This is a wonderful place where not only residents of the country, but also tourists strive to get. The history of the institution is rich and interesting, as well as the performances going on in it.

General history of the appearance of the circus in Kyiv

Before talking about how the Kyiv circus arose, which today bears the title of national and is located at the address: Victory Square, 2, it is necessary to mention how such entertainment appeared in the Ukrainian capital in general. It all started in 1797, when the well-known Contract Fair was transferred to Kyiv from Dubno. From oldFrom time to time, no fair or marketplace was complete without performances by itinerant theatrical troupes.

That is why in Kyiv, on Kontraktova Square, in addition to trade counters, circus tents appeared. They were built from boards: several rows of benches were arranged around the arena. They were intended for the we althy public. The poor audience was housed in the so-called corrals - standing places located behind the benches. In the center of the arena there was a pillar that supported a tarpaulin or calico dome.

Both local artists and troupes from abroad performed in these booths.

Circus in Kyiv in the XIX century

The stationary Kyiv circus, which is known to the viewer today, appeared only in the 60s of the last century. And until the middle of the 19th century, there was no permanent circus in the capital of Ukraine. For regular performances, the artists used wooden decorations, which were distinguished by mobility. From time to time a temporary circus was set up, covered with a tarpaulin. We can talk about the stationary circus in Kyiv since 1868. At this time, the Frenchman Auguste Bergonier bought a plot of land, the area of which reached 1059 sazhens2. The site was located at the intersection of modern Pushkinskaya and B. Khmelnitsky streets. Today it houses the National Academic Theater of Russian Drama.

December 28, 1875 opens the Kyiv circus of Auguste Bergonier, which was called "Alcazar". Prince V. Obolensky became the director of the newly created institution. Among the guests and residents of Kyiv, circus performances hadextraordinary success. 60 leading artists worked here, actors from the San Carlos Theater and popular English clowns constantly toured. In addition, the staff of such a circus also had 35 musicians, and there was also a stable for 40 animals.

National Circus of Ukraine in Kyiv

The Kyiv circus, whose address is indicated above, dates back to 1960. The building of the institution can accommodate 2100 people at the same time. The structure is a monumental three-story building with a colonnade near the entrance. A semicircular wide staircase leads to the building. The domed roof ends with a small tower and a spire. The architectural project of such a pompous building was developed by V. Zhukov from Kiev.

External cladding is made in light shades: the columns are treated with Inkerman stone, the walls - with ceramic tiles, and the plinths - with pink granite. In order to build a dome cover, the craftsmen used innovative technology. The surface layer of the dome is five cone-like belts, each of which was assembled from 32 identical reinforced concrete panels.

In 1998, the Kyiv State Circus was given the status of a national circus, which legally gave it the right to be called the main circus of Ukraine.

How the circus works

The Kyiv Circus, the photo of which can be seen in our article, is actively working for ten months a year. The rest of the time the troupe tours the world. Now inthe institution employs artists of various circus genres. There is also a ballet troupe and a wonderful musical ensemble. And not so long ago, the technical base of the institution has become much better. Thanks to her, the artistic perception of performances has become several times better.

Glorious tradition of the National Kyiv Circus is the creation of programs at the highest world level.

Who will say what

Reviews about the Kiev circus are always only positive. Spectators claim that they come here in order to cheer themselves up, and to accustom their children to the world of art and illusion. According to the public, real professionals work in the circus, who can capture the attention of the audience with just one wave of their hand. People say that some numbers can be watched many times and they will not seem boring. All Kievans and residents of other cities of Ukraine incredibly love this circus and try to get into it as soon as possible.