OTWARCIA. CIRCUSIANA 1 - COLLECTIVE WORK

Discover the fascinating world of the circus in the first volume of the "Otwarcia. Circusiana" series! This unique collective work takes you on a journey through the founding and breakthrough moments in the history of the circus, analyzing sources, mythography, and historiography. Get to know the behind-the-scenes of this spectacle that has fascinated and inspired for centuries.

• In-depth analysis of circus history
• Diverse perspectives: sources, mythography, historiography
• Inspiration from the work of Zbigniew Raszewski
• Specific formula of the circus spectacle
• Melancholic fantasies and rich imagination
• Fascination of artists and ideologues
• Laboratory of technological innovations

The "Otwarcia. Circusiana" series was born out of inspiration from the openness and curiosity of Zbigniew Raszewski, an outstanding theater historian and patron of the Instytut Teatralny. In his books "Teatr w świecie widowisk" and "Pamiętnik gapia," Raszewski included many insightful observations about the circus and fairground spectacles, which became the starting point for this publication.

The circus, although often seen as unintellectual and unaesthetic entertainment, has always fascinated artists and ideologues. In the Western modernization project, it served as a laboratory for technological innovations and a quasi-educational institution. It promoted patterns of modern life, social mobility, physical training, and aesthetics of the body, and played a significant role in the development of modern media and professional sports.

This first volume of the series introduces the reader to the circumstances of various founding and breakthrough moments in the history of the circus. The authors analyze different ways of constructing and reconstructing this history, balancing between the analysis of sources, mythography, and historiography. This is a must-read for all lovers of circus, theater, and cultural history.

The book, published by the Instytut Teatralny in 2022, has 352 pages and a format of 243x171 mm. Bound in a hardcover, it is an elegant and durable element of any library. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the circus and discover its rich history and influence on culture!

The Instytut Teatralny im. Zbigniewa Raszewskiego is a leading cultural institution in Poland, engaged in the documentation, research, and promotion of theater. The Institute conducts scientific, publishing, educational, and popularizing activities, supporting the development of Polish theater and theatrical culture. The "Otwarcia. Circusiana" series is another example of the Institute's commitment to exploring various forms of spectacle and their impact on society.