Kharkov circus is one of the oldest in Ukraine, has a rich past and glorious traditions. The history of the modern Kharkov circus began among the people - in the squares, festivities, where the performances were always successful.
The first booths
The circus brotherhood arose in wooden structures of the second half of the nineteenth century. The first heated circus appeared in Kharkov through the efforts of Wilhelm Sura. It happened in one thousand eight hundred and sixty-second year. Mr. Sur built a wooden circus, which was subsequently surrounded by a brick wall, and heating stoves were installed nearby, the heat from which was transferred through pipes to the circus premises. The building was covered with a canvas hundred-meter dome. Indoor performances were given until late winter.
But there are no undertakings without competition. In the seventieth year of the same century, the director of the Moscow circus Joseph Darsen opened his arena next to the Sura circus. The third competitor was Johann Fritz, who opened his circus on one of the squares. The density of troupes and venues for performances forced entrepreneurs to show remarkable talent, inviting Russian celebrities of that time to their arenas.
Gricce
The popularity of circus art grew, representatives of the merchants began to invest considerable money in their own circus undertakings. In 1906, according to the architectural project of Kornienko, Khrustalev, Kornienko, Henryk Grikke built a circus theater. Circus and theater troupes gave performances in the room. Thanks to constructive solutions, the hall was transformed into a circus arena or into a theater hall.
Now this building is popularly called the Old Circus. The Grikke Circus was equipped with the most modern equipment at that time. Famous world-famous artists and theater troupes performed in the arena. With the establishment of Soviet power, the circus was nationalized and became known as the Kharkov State Circus.
Circus stars
Famous artists were born within its walls: the Durov brothers - masters of dressing and clowning, the world-famous clown - carpet Berman, tamers of predators A. Buslaev and I. Bugrimova, the famous couplet couplet “Bib-Bob” (G. Rashkovsky and S. Skalov ) Over the years, the Kharkov circus hosted the Pencil clown, the master of juggling Enrico Trutius, the magnificent horsewoman Marta Sur, the legendary duet of Yuri Nikulin and Mikhail Shuidin and many others. Famous artists considered it an honor to perform in the arena of the oldest circus in Ukraine.
In the Old Circus, performances were held until one thousand nine hundred and seventy-fourth, until the opening of the "New Circus" on Uritsky Street (now the square named after Irina Bugrimova). Now the former Grikke circus performs other tasks - it serves as the directorate of Ukrainian circuses, circus programs and attractions are born here.
From 1934 to 1982, half a century, the circus was led by a man who became a legend in the circus world - Fred Yashinov. Under his leadership, the world saw rooms and attractions that became classics of circus art. He lit many arena stars.
Kharkov Circus: traditions and modernity
The first performance in the circus arena on pl. I. Bugrimova took place on the ninth of April 1974 in the presence of two thousand spectators. The circus was full of lights, the program confirmed the title of circus - one of the best in the entire USSR. The new building is equipped with the latest technology, high standards of safety and comfort for artists and animals involved in the programs are taken into account. In the second floor, comfortable dressing rooms are equipped for artists, there is a sports and rehearsal base, excellent music room and conducting rooms.
For four-legged artists in the circus complex elephants are provided, an excellent stable and a room for predators. The circus also boasts animal showers and a lumpy workshop.
For a respected audience - comfortable seats, an overview of the arena from anywhere in the amphitheater, great sound during performances. In anticipation of the start, spectators are provided with buffets with a variety of snacks, the opportunity to take pictures with animals, view stands and get acquainted with the history of the troupe, invited artists.
Kharkov State Circus: weekdays
Today's Kharkov circus is a creative forge of artists for the Ukrainian and world arena. Since 2001, the chair of the director and head of the Kharkov Circus has been A.A. Zhitnitsky.
Over the past ten years, programs have been released for various genres of circus art. Aerial acrobatics was enriched with the programs “Ground flight” (head S. Shatalov), “Flight without a grid” (head M. Serdyukov), “Air flight” in two interpretations, thanks to two leaders: S. Manchuk and S. Kovalenko.
Little ponies delight children and adults with the Free Pony Training program (headed by A. Spector). A man’s heart is given to the program “Playing with ZORRO Whips” Also, the audience enjoys the talented game of clowns, acrobatic performances, juggler performances, horse racing virtuoso rides with pleasure. Talent Arena - Kharkov Circus. The schedule of submissions is updated with noticeable regularity, new numbers are added to it and famous names shine.
Kharkov Circus Lights
Kharkovites, like the old days, like to relax and spend leisure time in an optimistic atmosphere of circus performers. Children and adults find favorites in the theatrical circus numbers, which are rich in the Kharkov circus program. Artists and their four-legged friends are constantly improving technology, working out new numbers for fans of circus art. The Kharkov circus knows many victories, finds, bright entreprise. Tickets for performances can be purchased immediately before the start of the performance, and for those who like to prepare in advance, it is possible to book and pay for tickets to the circus via the Internet.
Reviews from the audience are always enthusiastic. For adults, the circus is an opportunity to visit again in childhood, and for children - a fairy-tale world of incredible transformations, kind animals and brave people.