Circus and the Avant-Gardes: History, Imaginary, Innovation

This book explores how circus and the circus imaginary have shaped the historical avant-gardes at the beginning of the 20th century and the cultures they help constitute. It aims to produce a better sense of the artistic work and cultural achievements that have emerged from the interplay of circus and avant-garde artists and projects and to clarify their transhistorical and trans-medial presence and their scope for interdisciplinary expansion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book explores the profound impact of the circus and its imaginary on the historical avant-gardes at the turn of the 20th century, shaping the cultures they helped to constitute. It delves into the intricate interplay between circus and these artistic movements, examining the extent to which they mutually shaped each other and why their relevance continues to endure today.

Spanning 14 chapters authored by esteemed scholars from diverse fields such as circus, theatre, performance studies, art, media studies, film, and cultural history, this book offers a comprehensive examination of the artistic work and cultural achievements that have emerged from the fusion of circus and avant-garde artists and projects. Some chapters are co-written by performers and circus practitioners, adding a unique perspective to the analysis.

The book aims to enhance our understanding of early 20th-century artistic movements and their enduring legacy, as well as the history of popular entertainment. It sheds light on the ways in which circus and avant-garde connections contribute to a deeper comprehension of the cultural significance of circus arts.

Circus and the Avant-Gardes delves into the profound integration of the circus as a model or blueprint for modernist experiment, innovation, and (re)negotiation of bodies in our contemporary perception of avant-gardes. It traces the historical significance of circus/avant-garde phenomena and explores their contemporary actualizations across various media, highlighting their achievements, relevance, and impact on the present time.

Through its comprehensive approach, this book provides a rich tapestry of insights into the complex relationship between circus and the avant-garde, shedding light on the enduring legacies of these artistic movements and their profound influence on the cultural landscape.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367757281