Royal Circus of Gia Eradze. How it works: the life of circus performer Gia Eradze artists
24.02.2019 23:29
Gia Eradze and Maxim Nikulin present the show “Burlesque”
A big sensation happened in the small kingdom of Monaco in January 2019! The winner of the 43rd festival in Monte Carlo was “ Royal Circus» Gii Eradze! For the first time in the history of the annual International Circus Festival (Festival international du cirque de Monte-Carlo), the highest prestigious award “Golden Clown” was received not by an individual act, but by an entire Russian troupe. The Russians also took home the “Silver Clown” for the acrobatic swing ride. From February 22, Gia Eradze, together with the Moscow Nikulin Circus, presents a new show “Burlesque”, and the Russian audience will be the first to see the unique performances that were so highly appreciated by the international jury together with Princess Stephanie.
The questions are answered by the general producer of the Royal Circus and the chief director of the Russian State Circus company, Honored Artist of Russia and Georgia Gia Eradze, and general manager and artistic director of the Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard Maxim Nikulin.
— Please tell us about your new show, which is called “Burlesque.”
Maxim Nikulin: We can't tell you what will happen, it's pointless, the new show is a must see! About my preliminary feelings I can say this: first, great joy that this project, conceived almost three years ago, came true, and deep gratitude to Gia Eradze for the fact that a lot of effort, nerves, talent, and money were spent on its implementation this project. I am very glad that we are working together, because it is very useful for the circus, for the Russian circus, for the art of circus in general, for its development.
The gold of the 43rd circus festival in Monte Carlo was given to the “Royal Circus” of Gia Eradze, but he came not from America, but from Russia. Gia Eradze is the only person in our circus world today who is so fierce and passionate about the development of circus art. The Royal Circus has its team, its artists, its name, its brand, but the circus is Russian, it’s still our circus! Everyone associates this brilliant victory with our national circus, and all the design, choreography, scenery, adaptation of acts, all this is our circus culture!
We really have something to be proud of.
Many people asked me after Monte Carlo, now Eradze will perform in your arena, what will you show after that? I answer the skeptics: don’t worry, we have many projects, we won’t be lost, this is not a milestone for us, and I am convinced that in the future we will definitely work with Gia and his artists.
Gia Eradze: We have planned joint project at the arena of the Moscow Nikulin Circus, the show is called “Burlesque”, and today, finally, it will be presented to the Russian audience. We rehearsed for a very long time, as soon as you, the audience, enter the circus hall, you will see exclusive decorations that were specially created for the show. Costumes were also specially sewn, numbers were customized and adapted, a large creative team of composers, directors, choreographers, set designers worked on the project, who together with me created this program.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to say a big thank you to the Moscow Circus of Yuri Nikulin for the opportunity to stage the project here, as a director, completely from start to finish, in two parts. This is a top venue, this is the best circus in the world, this is an old circus, a classic circus. The acts that have the right to enter this famous arena must be of a high class, so we tried and united in this program some of the best artists of the Russian state company "Rosgoscircus" today. These are almost all the artists who were recently at the festival in Monte Carlo. I would like to say thank you to Evgeny Shevtsov and Olga Poltarak, who took part in the preparation of the entire performance together with me. For “Burlesque” the arena of the Old Moscow Circus will be the first, just as the Russian spectator will be the first to come to our performance and evaluate what he saw. We really tried and did our best! It's bright, it's beautiful, it's festive and it's very strong numbers.
Tons of scenery, more than 350 exclusive costumes, tailored specifically for the “Burlesque” show at the Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, including those costumes that were with us in Monaco and created specifically for the festival. There will be water, and rain, and animals, and acrobats, and gymnasts, the performance is traditionally accompanied by a clown, Honored Artist of Russia Igor Yashnikov, one of the best clowns we have today.
The program is multi-genre, as always in all my projects, it features a lot of animals: tigers, leopards, panthers, ligers (a cross between a lion and a tiger), zebras, monkeys, horses, dogs, porcupines, bears. There will be an attraction “Baronets”, which has 10 highest world awards, where trainers Andrei and Natalya Shirokalov perform with a mixed group of predatory animals.
The acrobatic genre is represented by the wonderful number “Counter Swing”, which won the “Silver Clown” at the 43rd Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. Mikhail Filinov and his group of acrobats are also the winner of many gold awards at world circus festivals in China and Italy.
The program ends with the wonderful song “Applause,” which was composed by the wonderful composer Alexei Garnizov, and the king of pop Philip Kirkorov himself kindly agreed to perform. Today it will be performed for the audience for the first time, and we specially made an epilogue for it in the style of an old circus. Our entire program is a symbiosis of classic “retro” and modern circus.
Maxim Nikulin: The “Burlesque” show will run until September 1, then there will be a pause when our circus festival will take place, then for a short season in October-November the “Burlesque” program will resume, but in a transformed form, new acts will be added to it, which then we will change it, because all the numbers are very bright and easy to remember. We want to build Burlesque 2, then there will be New Year holidays, Christmas trees, New Year, Christmas, and then we close the circus until February. The next new project will begin in February 2020.
Gia Eradze: On New Year based on the show "Burlesque" we will make New Year's tale entitled "The Mystery" New Year's star" This will be a completely new costume performance dedicated to the New Year and Christmas, which has never been on the Old Circus arena, but that will come later.
— Please accept congratulations on your triumph at the 43rd Circus international festival in Monaco, which took place in January 2019, and the well-deserved award of the “Royal Circus” Gia Eradze “Golden Clown”. How did Princess Stephanie express her admiration for you?
Gia Eradze: For the first time in the 43 years of this prestigious festival, the entire team of Gia Eradze’s “Royal Circus” received the “Golden Clown”, and not just one act. Of course, the decision on the award is made by the international jury together with Princess Stephanie, who hosts the festival in Monte Carlo. And as a sign that the princess liked it, she made an official offer to me to stage the 45th festival, which I will create as a production director. This will happen in 2 years, but I’m preparing now, and after the launch of the Burlesque show, I will be specifically involved in the festival in Monaco.
Maxim Nikulin: How did the princess rate it? We have known each other for a long time, we have been friends for many years. Stefania is a rather reserved girl and this is understandable; a lot depends on her words, especially in the circus world. But her attitude for me was determined as follows. She comes to Moscow for one day, March 7, to watch a full-fledged performance in our circus! The princess said: “I want to see the whole show, what I saw in Monaco is wonderful, it’s wonderful, it’s highly rated, but I’m interested in seeing the whole show.” And so, despite the fact that she has a lot of things to do, Stefania will fly in for one day to watch “Burlesque”. It's worth a lot!
— How did the idea of the unique “Faberge” act come about, which you presented at the competition in Monte Carlo and will show in the “Burlesque” show to Russian viewers?
Gia Eradze: We prepared the Faberge performance specifically for this festival. First of all, we wanted to do something new. Transformation is good genre in the circus, but it’s not new, so we came up with a group transformation for 12 people. Today there are no analogues to this number. You will see that this number is very delicately built.
Faberge's style as an artist is completely suitable for the Royal Circus show, plus he was a Russian artist who once emigrated to Europe and then lived there. The Faberge Museum exists in St. Petersburg on the Fontanka, and I have been to it several times. The entire style of this issue: transformable costumes, ballet, props are made in the style of Faberge eggs. You will see a whole fashion show, the performers will wear costumes in the form of the sights of St. Petersburg, there is even a “Circus Ciniselli” costume, because this is one of the oldest circuses in our country.
The room has a link. When we did this number with Evgeny Shevtsov, we saw that the main character here should be the Nutcracker himself, who at the end transforms into a white prince. The entire Faberge issue is based on this link. Russian specially for this number classical music was partially arranged by composer Denis Garnizov. We prepared the transformation for the festival so quickly that, one might say, we didn’t have time to test it out. This has never happened before; for the first time we worked it out in Stuttgart, Germany, to show it at the festival in Monte Carlo. The Russian viewer will see this number for the first time in general, as well as the entire program.
— Our artists come on foreign tours, but how realistic is it to invite foreign artists to us? For example, an Italian clown recently performed here, and an illusionist came. Is it possible to invite, for example, the famous trainer Martin Lacey?
Maxim Nikulin: Absolutely real and I’ll tell you a secret - in our next project 80 percent of the artists will be invited from abroad.
It is more difficult to invite Martin Lacey, because there are a large number of animals there, which requires complex veterinary clearance, problems with transport, and customs. But all this can be solved, therefore, if we set such a task, we will complete it. There is another nuance, Martin works at the Munich Circus Krone. This is a 24-hour circus, and Lacey's acts are the main ones there. We talked to him about this topic theoretically, and he said, as, by the way, many other circus stars say, that Russian tours are designed for long periods, about three months, which means that he drops out of the program for this time, to besides, contracts and tours have been signed, advertising arrangements are made there a year in advance, it’s not clear how to tie it all together. But in terms of opportunity, why not?
By the way, I do not agree with Edgard Zapashny that ours have nowhere to escape from the dominance of foreign artists. All this is nonsense, in fact, the country is big, there is somewhere to go and where to work. Our artists begin to relax, and when a foreigner arrives and shows that he literally lives in a cage, like Martin Lacey, or like Alexis Gruss from the Arlette Gruss Circus, the only one in the world that is national treasure of France, who said that he has more than two hundred horses, and he knows all his horses by name and “by sight” - this is amazing. This attitude among many here in Russia, unfortunately, is being lost; the people have become disorganized and lazy.
One day, some guys came up to me and Sasha Grimailo, one said that he had come up with a unique trick, absolutely no one had done it, flying from one board to another. Grimailo replies, no, there was already such a number in 1968, look it up on the Internet. I say that I personally remember that there were such Nikitins, in their final trick with a throwing board they performed a triple somersault onto a column of four people, this is written about in the encyclopedia. The guy shrugs his shoulders in surprise, doesn’t know how it’s done, doesn’t look for information.
This doesn’t happen because it’s impossible, it’s just that people set some limits for themselves. When everything is good, there are contracts, we earn money, the family is in order, why bother? There is no such fanaticism as there used to be, I remember it very well, including the example of my parents. He, unfortunately, leaves, only a few remain circus fanatics, but these few now form the basis of the world circus, and almost all of them gather in Monte Carlo.
— Gia Giulevich, as of February 1, 2019, you have been appointed chief director of the Russian State Circus. Where will you start your work, what positive changes should you expect?
“Royal Circus” by Honored Artist of the Russian Federation and Georgia Gia Eradze is a grandiose project in which artists of various genres and exotic animals participate: llamas, zebras, noses, lemurs, porcupines, gibbons.
This fabulous show opened the 55th anniversary season at the Tula State Circus. Last year, the season here also began with Gia Eradze’s show “Baronets,” but what the public saw this time was amazing! The program employs 120 artists, uses more than 2,000 exclusive costumes, designer scenery and props, and uses 19 trucks for transportation.
“Royal Circus” is a performance of a new generation, breaking stereotypes and exciting the imagination. In addition to the fact that a constellation of acts has been collected here, each of them was worked on by experienced directors, choreographers, lighting designers and production designers; it synthesizes all genres of circus art: training, aerialists on canvases and chains, illusion, balancing act, pop ballet and much more.
For the performance, a huge Golden Castle was designed, decorated with velvet and shimmering with lights, a three-level curtain, sometimes hiding the entire arena, and crystal chandeliers.
The spectacle of the action is mesmerizing: during the three hours that it lasts, the audience seems to be on a journey through different continents and eras. Indians and Roman gladiators rush in front of them in chariots, incredible aliens, the mythical Pegasus, white-winged angels, jesters, inhabitants of Swan Lake and other fantasy characters appear.
A grand piano, sprinkled with Swarovski crystals, magically appears in the arena, fountains splash from it, and a tightrope walker, surrounded by ballerinas, performs unimaginable tricks.
Bears dance the fiery Russian square dance together with the corps de ballet, and acrobats on counter swings perform breathtaking stunts, as if defying the law of universal gravitation.
The masterly dexterity of the jugglers on the “arrows” – a unique rotating apparatus that has no analogues in the world – is impressive.
The Wild World of the Jungle attraction is a passion-filled performance featuring African lions, Sumatran tigers and rare representatives of this species - white tigers. But it all begins with the appearance of the corps de ballet dancers, dressed in fantasy costumes of human werewolves, who in their dance seem to transform into wild animals.
The viewing experience can be described in one word – “shock”. After the end of the performance, the audience did not want to leave the hall, but gave the artists a long standing ovation.
The large tour, within which the “Royal Circus” arrived in Tula, began at the Moscow Yuri Nikulin Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, where over eight months the show was watched by more than half a million people.
After the premiere in Tula, the producer and artistic director of the group, Georgy Eradze, was presented with the coat of arms of the Royal Circus, created by Moscow designer Evgeny Lebedev. This is a true work of art, inlaid with gold leaf, where all the symbols that characterize this project are intertwined, decorated with a crown on top.
“We received the biggest gift today from the audience,” noted Georgy Giulevich. – Tula spectators are sophisticated, they have seen many different programs, and their reaction to our performance today, their ovation, is the highest rating. Of course, we were all worried today: despite many years of work, the premiere always excites us - like the first time in the arena. Circus is a living art, complex, but this is the professionalism of the artist, the measure of his responsibility to the public...
All genres of circus art are dangerous - for example, the “Counter Swing” act is very complex, every movement is carefully controlled. No wonder its performers are winners of many gold awards at various world festivals. This year they are going to China, which is famous for its acrobatic school, and let's hope for their next triumph, then they will go on a New Year's tour to Germany, to Stuttgart. And in a few months, 59 artists of the Royal Circus will represent Russia at the most prestigious circus arts festival in Monte Carlo. There will be a swing, “air”, a white block, which is like our calling card...
Today we will talk about “Royal Circus” by Gia Eradze. This is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their life. We'll learn more about the history of the circus and its performers, and also look at reviews.
About the creator
The creator of the circus is Honored Artist of Georgia Giorgi Eradze. He was born in Tbilisi in 1978. Interested in circus art since early years, studied at a circus studio. In 2000 the guy graduated State school them. Sh. Milorava. The man’s career was also closely intertwined with circus art. He held positions in various circuses in Russia. At the same time, G. Eradze does not limit himself to organizational activities. He is not only a generator of ideas. Georgiy Eradze is a performer, a talented trainer and even a costume designer. He tours all over the world with his circus.
What are we talking about?
"Royal Circus" by Gia Eradze is a circus performance in which a huge number of artists and animals take part. A distinctive feature is the presence of a single storyline. Each performance features more than 200 exclusive costumes that are made to order. It is worth noting the incredible scenery, which has no analogues in the whole world. The music and lighting design is also very well thought out. Modern special effects make performances more spectacular and vibrant. The circus tells the "royal story". This means that Gia Eradze’s circus is not a set of numbers where the performances of artists alternate. The circus in question is unique. There is a story told here. It's unlike anything you've seen before. "A Royal Story" is truly demonstrated in a royal way. Everything is thought out to the smallest detail. All costumes, sets and special effects are made at the highest level.
"Royal Circus" by Gia Eradze is an entertaining place that is designed for children and adults. The show will impress adults as much as kids. A bright, spectacular show that everyone will remember for a long time.
Scenes
Young talented circus performers appear on the arena. These are beautiful artistic people. They can perform a number of complex tricks and work with trained animals. During the performance, skits on various topics are performed. For example, you can watch the funny adventure of Indians who are surrounded by skunks, lemurs, porcupines and monkeys. The sketch entitled “Spanish History” deserves special attention. Experienced artists perform at the arena and demonstrate the highest class of horse riding. There is also a skit "The Empress". Young girls perform here and skillfully handle wild, dangerous animals. Of course, one cannot ignore the “Brazilian Scene”. You can see magical Pegasi, angels, jesters, and jugglers.
Features of the circus
"Royal Circus" by Gia Eradze in Kazan has a number of distinctive features. The main one is that all types of circus art are presented here (stunts on chains, illusionist tricks, balancing act, pop ballet performances, aerialists). The scale of the show is truly amazing. For the transportation and maintenance of animals, for the use and transportation of props and scenery, sound and lighting equipment, the maximum of modern technology is used. For this purpose, the circus has 14 huge trucks.
Indeed, Gia Eradze's "Royal Circus" is a unique phenomenon. That's why he receives a lot of awards. The circus regularly participates in a number of festivals, where it wins prizes. Every year he occupies an increasingly higher position on the world stage.
Gia Eradze's show "Royal Circus": reviews
There are different reviews about the circus. But mostly they are positive. Everyone notes the enchantment of the spectacle and the abundance of emotions. Much attention is paid to animals in every review. It seems incredible that a person can train animals like this. Moreover, each “artist” lives in excellent conditions. This point is given special attention. Viewers can look at the living conditions of the animals and make sure that training takes place on the principles of encouragement and not violence.
The audience emphasizes that they have never seen such a show in their lives. There really is hardly anything comparable to him. Gia Eradze is very attentive to the smallest aspects, which is why today the circus has no equal. Visitors note that each number is individual, there are no repetitions. This is the case when you won’t be able to go out for a minute and not miss anything. As already noted, the scenes are indeed very diverse. And what is worth the fact that the viewer can see all genres of circus art in one performance. Many also like the fact that Gia Eradze himself performs in the arena. He communicates with the audience and shows his skills. Despite such tremendous success, he remains open and continues to do what he loves with joy, and not solely for the sake of profit.
Some visitors also note that the numbers can move them to tears. Yes, it really is! And all thanks to a professional, thorough approach. The audience also likes the actors' acting. These are not just circus performers, but real masters of their craft.
Negative reviews
There are negative reviews, but they are very few. They relate only to the cost of tickets to attend the performance. However, it is not appropriate to talk about cost in our case. The Gia Eradze Circus is a grandiose world-class show. Of course, a ticket to such a performance cannot cost a penny. People all over the world want to visit this show; all circus organizations recognize the uniqueness of the circus. Rest assured: you will not regret the money spent.
Summing up the article, I would like to say that Gia Eradze’s “Royal Circus” is an incredibly vibrant performance. If you have the opportunity to visit it, you should definitely do so. Remember that art is eternal. Moreover, in this case we are not just talking about an interesting cultural institution that once stood out for something. Circus G. Eradze is a world-class circus. This is confirmed by the grateful reviews of hundreds of people. The performances will not leave anyone indifferent - both children and adults will be delighted!
Are you interested not only in classical clownery, but also in modern circus? Do you love different genres and subjects - from French cabaret to Brazilian carnival?
Then Gia Eradze’s show “Burlesque” is for you!
The Royal Circus of Gia Eradze performs on Tsvetnoy with own program. It will feature the most skilled circus performers:
- graceful acrobats;
- dexterous jugglers;
- brave riders;
- inimitable tightrope walkers;
- fearless gymnasts...
And also trainers with their students: panthers and tigers, dogs and bears.
The program also includes fiery dances and numbers on the verge of risk, which will take your breath away!
To buy a ticket, just call or write to us.
Book now: +74952233816.
Write a review
I never thought that going to the circus could be so memorable. It was as if I had returned to my childhood. Bright costumes, funny clowns, unique acrobat acts and much more. I haven't been this happy for a long time! Thanks to my beloved husband for the tickets to the circus!
Once again I am convinced that the Nikulin circus is the best! And it’s not just about the programs (they, by the way, are not always pleasing. A few years ago I was disappointed by Gia Eradze, not a show, but a Brazilian carnival. The taste and color, in general). The point is energy, what Nikulin intended in his brainchild. Tickets to the circus on Tsvetnoy are just an outlet, an opportunity to look, at least with one eye, at the good old circus from my childhood.
Last week I visited Yuri Nikulin’s circus with my schoolgirl granddaughter. I really liked their Monte Carlo program. Although I have seen a lot in the world, I was amazed at the skill of acrobats and trainers no less than my Ksyusha. But she, by the way, liked the clown-host much more. She laughed loudly at his jokes and clapped after every time he entered the arena.
Favorite circus! We have been coming here for the third year now - since Artemka was four years old, and he could sit through a full-fledged performance with an intermission. The show never let us down, everything was interesting and bright.
Of course, the child goes because of the animals - trained bears and dogs are his priority. It is difficult for him to appreciate the performances of acrobats and gymnasts. But he is delighted with clowns. And it's good that they are participating in the show.
If we talk about tickets, we don’t take expensive ones for the first seats in the stalls. The middle of the stalls is, yes, good and not so expensive. The first rows of the amphitheater are also good if better seats have already been taken. When my parents (tall parents) are sitting in front, I sometimes take my son in my arms so that I can see everything.
Be sure to go with your child - you won’t regret it!
The whole family went to the circus on Tsvetnoy. What can I say? Excellent performance, bright, cheerful, kind. I thought we were just waiting for a series of ordinary tricks. And here is a whole performance with well-thought-out attractions)) Maybe I just haven’t been to a circus for a long time, and that’s why I’m so delighted. But we all, including five-year-old Pasha, left the hall in a great mood.
“All the Colors of the World” is an amazing performance. Sorry for the loud words and the storm of emotions, but I am very excited about the new show. There are exotic animals and amazing tricks and, of course, lots and lots of laughter. I went to the premiere with my 5-year-old daughter. You can’t even imagine how much she and all the other kids in the audience enjoyed Nikulin’s circus! Go boldly and don’t even hesitate - it’s cool and a lot of fun!!!
On summer holidays I went with my daughter Varenka to visit my sister in Moscow. What's a trip to the capital without visiting the circus on Tsvetnoy? We simply couldn’t help but go there, and for good reason. My daughter was very happy to see live clowns, she even took pictures with them after the show. And my wife and I had tremendous pleasure and finally took a break from everyday life. Our whole friendly family had a lot of fun.
We were here for the first time, the whole family went to a circus festival. It’s a pity they didn’t pay attention to the fact that he was a youth. I wanted to look at experienced artists. But, in fairness, I note that almost all the competitors performed with dignity. Equilibrists are generally beyond praise, by the way. There are a lot of people, but not stuffy - the air conditioners saved the day.
The circus itself is not much different from the Bolshoi Moscow Circus, where we usually take our daughter. Large arena, good equipment, in general, comfortable chairs. If only there was more distance between the rows, then tall people would be able to sit comfortably (my husband and I are 1.90 and 1.92).
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If the tickets are not suitable for the client for any reason, courier delivery is paid in full in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 497 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation.
