Postcard from Bishkek

In the former Soviet Union there was a network of state run Circuses – and the Khirghiz SSR was no exception, although it was established only in 1962, when a troupe was formed called “Molodaya Kyrgizia” – “Young Kyrgyzia”.

A Master of Circus, Yevgeni Gun-Lin, was invited to Frunze, (as Bishkek was then called), and gathered young performers from all over the republic and prepared the first performance which was given in October the following year.  The performance was based on ideas from Kyrgyz National Sports and featured elements of acrobatics and gymnastics – accompanied with performances on the Komuz.  After successful performances in their homeland, they then embarked on a tour of the Soviet Union taking in cities such as Kiev, Leningrad, Minsk and Tashkent.  Other tours were to follow in subsequent years, including international tours to places like Finland.

New programmes were developed and performed over the years and, in particular, their performance at the special festival to mark the 50^th anniversary of the October Revolution was highly praised.

To encourage new talent a school was opened offering a special Two Year course providing training in subjects such as Acrobatics, Gymnastics, Choreography, Juggling and High-wire tightrope walking, (although it seems that clowns went further afield to places like Moscow and Devyatkin to receive specialist training).

In 1976, a new building was constructed to house the circus on Frunze Street in the center of Bishkek.  The arena had a striking circular design, resembling a “Big Top” circus tent and had capacity for seating over 1000 spectators.  The building also provided other facilities such as a training hall, and offices as well as the main ring.

As well performances of the local troupe the Circus also present pantomimes and hosts visits from foreign companies and performers from abroad, such as the State Circuses of China, Moscow, Almata and Kazan (Tartarstan).

Performances usually start at 14:00 and 18:00.