The circus and nature in late Georgian England

Marius Kwint*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

    Abstract

    The modern circus has a rather different form and content from the chariot races of its ancient Roman namesake because it is the product of more recent times. The Royal Circus not only coined a name for the genre, but also erected a fine stage next to the ring, bringing circus close to the world of drama for much of the next century. Astley died in 1814 but his company in London went on to survive the Royal Circus, the introduction of the big top tent to Europe by a visiting American company in 1842, and the proliferation of many smaller touring companies without stages. This chapter concentrates upon the founding example of Astley's in order to analyze the attitudes to the environment that the circus inherited, and with which it played. Although the performing arts have often served as an avenue of social opportunity, equestrianism also helped to reinforce the norms of class, race, and gender.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationThe Routledge Circus Studies Reader
    EditorsPeta Tait, Katie Lavers
    PublisherRoutledge
    Chapter18
    Pages331-348
    Number of pages18
    Edition1st
    ISBN (Electronic)9781003074670, 9781000112993
    ISBN (Print)9781138915435, 9781138125353
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 28 Mar 2016

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