Circuses

[usantic]

I saw that Cirque de Soleil special too Rudedawg and it brought a ? to mind........Why do circuses all have that underlying feeling of sadness to them? Cirque de Soleil really seems to play upon that emotion with some of their shows.Is it that they are here and gone so quickly? Perhaps that in the early days of the circus the performers played for a pittance and were (ready Amaurote?)prisoners to the circus to eek out a meager yet at times exciting career? (Thats it!!! Amaurote goes to the circus coz its a prison!) Do any of you get that dark feeling from circuses?

Your world is yours not mine, Quidam. Your dreams are yours. You may have touched the stars but they weren't moved. And if you reach for me I may not choose to hold your hand. I might smile or I might turn away.
An ordinary man, Quidam. I'm everyman. I'm anyman.
-- Cirque du Soleil, "Quidam"

i love their shows but these fuckers do NOT bend over backwards to explain their shit...that's pissin' me OFFFFFF!!!! ARGGGGGHHHH!!!!!...whew. anyway, here's the deal. in latin "quidam" means "someone". i know 'cause i looked it up (thanks world wide web). now, here's when i start to actually answer the question.

i can't say that i found most circuses sad as in my youth i don't remember them. i do remember certain aspects of their shows, but i never seemed to get an idea of sadness. only amazement and wonder and the wonderful tricks of body and spirit that men were able to commit. if there was a sadness to be had i had no idea as i'm wholly ignorant of the circus' origin and intentions in its early days.

but the cirque du soleil...that's some whole other shit. every single one is a story of some sort. it tells a tale that is put forth thru the symbolic, and fantastic, performances of its many entertainers. so with the cirque i am once again reminded of the sense of amazement and wonder i had in my youth. but as an adult i can also appreciate a new aspect of the story telling that is evident in the expressions, costumes and performances of its many showmen. the only sadness i felt was when that fucked decided it was over 2 hours after it began...shit. i HATE when the cirque ends. i ALWAYS wish it could go on forever, showing me new things and new stories and new splendor in every piece of the show. thru the cirque i've found new rooms to explore in my imagination and for that i'm always sad to see it end. unfortunately though, that sadness is the closest i come to feeling what you speak of and i'm afraid it doesn't wholly simpathize with your hypothesis. my fault.

and since i found no way of inserting some comment about sex or my cock in there anywhere i apologize to all who've read this. i'll make sure to do better next time and not let you down.

[berly]

Originally posted by usantic
Why do circuses all have that underlying feeling of sadness to them?

I've never been to a circus, but I can tell you that I do get a "dark feeling" when thinking about or discussing them. I think...and laugh at me if you must...but I think it is because I saw "Dumbo" as a kid. That, and I think that in general, it is widely believed that the animals are not treated well - are somehow unhappy. The human performers are considered "creepy". Sort of like carnival folk. Always in transit, somewhat strange, never really have a permenant home. I wish I could explain that better, but I have a difficult time getting the words to match the idea I have in my head...urgh....

I have not seen Cirque du Soleil either. Dawgie, is it possible that the Cirque does not "bend over backwards" to tell you what the story means because you are to interpret the story in your own way, the only message is what you decide to give it?

given that explanation, i understand the sadness you're talkin' about. but you've got to see one before you make an opinion so dogmatic. but you may very well be right about its origin, i wouldn't know. but they were always so full of bright color and laughter...sadness? hmph. i don't ever recall feelin' that way about 'em.

as for the cirque, the reason i'm bitchin' is 'cause those fuckers speak and sing primarily in french and italian. THAT'S the problem. you can derive the gist most times, but so often i'm left without an accurate enough interpretation of what's goin' on to properly ascertain what the FUCK is the point. oh well. it's still magical to see. i do so recommend that shit should you obtain the means. try your local Blockbuster or some shit. maybe there is something there. i promise you won't be disappointed. if you are, i'll make it up someway. i got NO idea how, but i will.

[Jennafer]

THEY'RE FREAKS!!! lol.:eek:

ah, but enterTAINING freaks jenn baby.

[usantic]

*nods to berly*
Yeah, parts of Dumbo have that emotion. Disney was good at, (pardon the pun), illustrating that with his cartoons. The transient lifstyle, having to work at night during the rain singing baleful songs of their toil. *Nods* Yep!

No explanation for their songs seems to part of the enigma of Cirque don't you think dawg? I mean to draw a line towards many operas that are beautiful in the lyric sense. Hell, I don't understand Italian, but I can gather the gist of the story line
through their emotion. ( Damn I'm headed for the deep end again)

Well, thanks for the input and btw,,,,is Cirque touring this year? I need some uplifting depression.
*Heads for their website if'ns they've got one.*