July 2023 MBR The Architecture Shelf

The Architecture Shelf

Opulence and Ostentation: Building the Circus
Steve Ward, Ph.D.
Modern Vaudeville Press
www.modernvaudevillepress.com
9781958604021, $25.00

https://www.amazon.com/Opulence-Ostentation-building-Steve-Ward/dp/195860402X

Opulence and Ostentation: Building the Circus is a history of the circus buildings which helped house and perpetuate the popularity of the circus, particularly during the nineteenth century. Readers with only a casual familiarity with architectural history and the circus may not realize the long-standing nature of this subject: "During the latter half of the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century many circus owners, and indeed civic authorities, commissioned buildings specifically for circus. Why, you may ask, for such an ephemeral entertainment? I consider that this growth in circus building reflects the popularity of the art form at that time. Some of these buildings were vast cathedrals of circus which could accommodate thousands of people, regularly reaching capacity."

Audiences of architectural students and circus historians will find that Opulence and Ostentation holds many powerful examinations, but it also will attract general-interest audiences who may relish the circus, but are unaware of the structures that contributed to its popularity and mythos. Dr. Ward doesn't intend this book to be a definitive history of either the circus or its buildings. It celebrates the opulence and wealth of this approach to promoting the circus, examining how these structures contributed to the mystique and allure of the circus over the centuries. Vintage black and white photos, footnoted references, and quotes from publications that described early circus buildings and atmosphere make for a scholarly yet accessible survey designed to educate and attract.

Students of architectural history, in particular, will find the notes and illustrations on design choices and the mechanics of translating a building's use to both theater and circus applications to be specific and intriguing. Circus history is incorporated into these building descriptions, bringing a satisfyingly lively tone to the fine art of capturing opulence and the moveable art of the circus both within and between nations: "The (then) modern building was very tall, 36 metres in height, with a cupola 46.5 metres in diameter. The standard 13.5 metre circus ring had the facility to be lowered and flooded with water for water spectaculars. The arena was complete with a fully equipped stage and orchestra pit, and could seat almost 4000 spectators. The building included a restaurant and an 'American Bar'; an American Bar being a 'long bar' arrangement as opposed to the more intimate tavern style bar. Behind the circus was stabling for up to 130 horses and space to accommodate a menagerie. The building survived successfully until the bombing of Dresden in 1945, when it was completely destroyed. The circus survived but Sarrasani, having problems with Hitler's regime, decided to move to South America in 1934. Hans Stolsch-Sarrasani died there shortly afterwards and the circus was continued by his son.

The Sarrasani Circus became popular in Argentina and in the 1940s was proclaimed the 'Argentine National Circus' by Eva Peron." The detailed nature of such passages and references will require that readers already have a basic interest in the circus environment in order to appreciate the depths of research and the social, historical, and cultural connections Dr. Ward makes in his survey.

Libraries strong in circus topics or architectural explorations will find Opulence and Ostentation: Building the Circus is an opulent and potent examination indeed, juxtaposing complexity with a freestyle survey of the circus world that is not commonly accessible to general-interest audiences.

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