Circus to revive ‘sideshows’

By Anina Kazaz 06 August 2018, 12:00AM

Samoans can expect the revival of a long forgotten traditional performance of circuses at the upcoming Circus of Samoa extravaganza. 

Known as the sideshow, Magic Circus of Samoa will reintroduce this performance in their list of attractions when the show starts on Thursday, August 9. 

Tupa’i Frank Bruno, the circus ring master, said the sideshow is a performance that usually entertained the audience for about 10-12 minutes before and after the main event. 

They are characterized by weird acts and at this year’s performance, it will be themed ‘dangerous’. It includes nine attractions: sword swallower, electric chair, iron tongue man, the human dragon and the electric chair.

“It is a thing from the past no circus has them anymore, so we revived the sideshow. It is a small show like one dollar for children where the audience sees these strange things, which are all real,” Tupa’i said. 

“We have a man who can drive a six inches nail right into the center of his head.”

Diane Falk “Lady Diane”, the American sword swallower, is coordinating the sideshow and has worked with Tupa’i for 30 years.

She is able to swallow a solid steel sword without injuring her throat.  

“Everything you see here is what you get. All these talented short acts are real and extremely dangerous,” she said.

The sideshow begins at 5.00 pm before the main event at 7.00 pm. 

By Anina Kazaz 06 August 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>