AshuOnline Forall
4 min readMay 12, 2023

The Precarious Future of Circus: A Call to Action

As the lights dimmed and the curtains drew back, the air in the circus tent was charged with a palpable sense of excitement. Children leaned forward in their seats, eyes wide with anticipation, as performers clad in glittering costumes and feathered headdresses took to the stage. It was a world of wonder and awe, a place where dreams were spun into reality and anything was possible. But as the show went on, a nagging sense of unease crept in — was this really the kind of world we wanted to be a part of? Was it fair to ask performers to risk life and limb for our entertainment, only to be met with paltry audiences and meager wages? As I sat there with my family, I couldn’t help but wonder — what was the future of the circus, and what role did we, as a society, have to play in shaping it?

The circus, a timeless form of entertainment, has been a source of joy and amazement for generations. But as I sat in the audience of a recent show with my family, I couldn’t help but feel bad about the future of the circus.

With me sitting in sparsely populated circus tent with my spouse and two children, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness and disappointment.

The afternoon show had very few attendees, and it was clear that the performers could see this as well. It must be demotivating for them to give their all, but to perform to such a small audience.

It was clear that the future of the circus was in disarray, with only a handful of spectators in attendance, despite the relatively affordable ticket prices.

But the performers didn’t let this get them down. The performers on stage were giving it their all, despite the lackluster turnout. They continued to do their job with enthusiasm, and it was clear that they had put a lot of effort into their acts. As I watched them perform, I was inspired by their hard work and dedication and learnt a lesson from them that you should always focus on your own duties, without worrying about the external circumstances.

It was obvious that they were passionate about their craft, but the palpable absence of enthusiasm from the audience must have been a crushing blow to their spirits.

However, it wasn’t just the lack of a crowd that left me feeling uneasy. The food served during the show was exorbitantly priced, and it only added to my growing sense of disillusionment with the whole affair. As the acts progressed, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt, knowing that the people performing on stage were living in makeshift tents with little to no access to basic necessities. It was clear that these performers were making sacrifices to bring joy to the audience, but they were not being adequately compensated or taken care of.

The absence of animal shows was particularly striking, as I knew that their use in circuses had been prohibited in India. Instead, the show was dominated by magic tricks and acrobatics, with female performers taking center stage. And while animal shows were not allowed in India, it was clear that the people working in the circus were still struggling.

As I left the tent, there was cloud of thoughts in my head reflecting on the state of the circus industry, and the urgent need for society to take action. It is clear that the current model is unsustainable, and that the livelihoods of the performers themselves are at stake.

As consumers, it is our responsibility to demand better conditions for those who entertain us, and to support sustainable models that prioritize their well-being.

As a society, we need to do something about this. We need to ensure that the people working in the circus are being treated fairly and with respect. We need to ensure that they have access to proper living conditions and fair wages. And most importantly, we need to support the circus as a form of entertainment.

As we reflect on the joy and amazement that circuses have brought us for centuries, we must acknowledge the challenges they face today. As a society, it is our responsibility to support and encourage these unique and awe-inspiring performances. By attending circus shows, we not only give the performers the motivation and appreciation they need to continue their craft but also help preserve a cultural legacy for future generations. Let us join together to keep the spirit of the circus alive and flourishing.

The circus has been a part of our culture for generations, and it would be a shame to see it disappear. But for it to continue, we need to do our part. We need to attend shows, support the performers, and advocate for their fair treatment.

The future of the circus may be uncertain, but with the right support and attention, we can ensure that it remains a beloved form of entertainment for generations to come

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