УДК: 791.83:[792.02+792.09+792.075]

DOI: 10.35852/2588-0144-2025-2-39-61

EDN: VQNNKG

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Maximilian I. Nemchinsky

D. Sc. in Art Studies, Professor, Head of the Department of Circus Directing
Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS)
Moscow, Russia
E-mail: nemchinskiy@gmail.com

Devices that Transform the Circus Tricks. Circus Director Nikolai Chelnokov

Abstract

The article examines the impact of newly created circus equipment on the perfor-mance of traditional tricks, the related renewal of the figurative content of circus acts, the impact on audience perception, and the possibilities of creating original plot productions at the arena. A new unexplored problem is analyzed using the example of the practical production activities of the circus director N.I. Chelnokov. In his productions, Chelnokov acted as an author of idea, director, and music edi-tor. He created new devices for circus acts, the material for which could be both professional sport equipment and ordinary household items (a door leaf, a bathtub, a football net, an aquarium, etc.). The perception of the apparatus as a full-fledged partner of the circus actor led to a visual confirmation of this attitude. The trapeze for the aerial gymnast was replaced by a second performer, who played the role of a living device. The horizontal bar was modified into a living pyramid, changing its design in the hands of the gymnasts, as if they have become a part of it. Chelnokov’s work deserves scholar understanding, since the devices created by him not only convincingly stimulated the work in the arena at the time, but are still widely used in circus programs in our country and around the world.

Keywords

Russian circus, circus device, circus trick, circus directing, Nikolai Chelnokov, fig-urative content of the act.

For citation

Nemchinsky M. I.Devices that Transform the Circus Tricks. Circus Director Nikolai Chelnokov. Theatre. Fine Arts. Cinema. Music. 2025, no. 2, pp. 39–61.

DOI: 10.35852/2588-0144-2025-2-39-61

EDN VQNNKG

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Received: 15.01.2025

Revised: 08.04.2025

Accepted: 12.05.2025