Circus: An Incomplete Story
Circus: An Incomplete Story
Circus is one of the most popular forms of performing art along with jatra pala (musical drama) in Bangladesh- especially in rural and peri- urban areas. Interestingly, the shows are well received and enjoyed by large number of audiences irrespective of age and sex. Circus is the most popular entertainment among the young kids, usually takes place in winter seasons when large mela (local festivals) is organized. Along with eye-dazzling performances, there are monkeys, tigers and elephants accompany the popular circuses- which brings pure joy among the ordinary lives. However, like many old traditions, these entertainments and festivities are declining quite rapidly in Bangladesh; once, being the trademark art of rural Bangladesh, these are all facing extinction due to lack of patronization. Society is shifting rapidly and new form of entertainment is emerging- the circus is facing hardship from movies, television media, internet and other sorts of digital entertainment. Though the circus has been an important part of our culture and festivity, but, without proper encouragement, financial backup and support both from government and cultural organizations, these types of events will soon to be perish totally. In order to celebrate the joy of our victory from liberation war, a massive circus is organized annually in Manikgonj, near the capital city Dhaka. We visited the circus this year and it was a very raw experience for all of us; whatever picture we had in mind, it was totally changed by the extraordinary performance. And it was saddening as well, we saw people working extremely hard to make people laugh and entertain, but living in an unimaginable condition. It was just their passion, that still drive them to move along with such low pay and other difficulties; being in the circus, means socially marginalized. Often people treat them derogatorily- life in circus means no home and no respect. The overall experience, the circus, the performers and the surroundings- it was kind of stepping into some kind of fantasies, a long lost realm of our cultural heritage and the dying signature of a onetime warrior to modern lifestyle. Â