THRILLS ON TRAPEZE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 919, 12 March 1930, Page 15

THRILLS ON TRAPEZE

STARTLING TURNS AT CIRCUS Thrilled by startling evolutions performed in mid-air by the most accomplished troupe of trapeze artists that has ever visited Auckland hundreds in Wirth's great circus tent last evening caught their breath as the Flying La Mars brought to a sensational close a varied and fascinating three hours’ entertainment. High up under the dome of the lofty tent the La Mars hang from their swinging perches or sail through the air in graceful whirls and somersaults. The sheer daring of their performances and the physical suppleness and precision with which they are executed represent the highest possible development of the aerial gymnast’s art. The Lias troupe, with its six gifted and accomplished tumblers gives a brilliant exposition of footwork, somersaulting and balancing. It is necessary to see these performers to realise their wonderful strength and dexterity. Throughout the programme novelty is blended with the spectacular in a manner that justifies nil the claims of the promoters that Wirth’s have combed the earth for talent. Their Continental artists, like the three Arconas. the Santey Duo, Claudia Alba, the strong woman, and the Ivlarkoskie equestrian pair, bring new and arresting versions of an old magic, happily presented in the intimate atmosphere of the showring, with ‘ts colourful trappings, bright lights, and tiers and tiers of onlookers gathered about the arena. Miss Betty Arcona. balancing onehanded on the top of a 30-foot metal rod poised on her partner’s shoulder, rivals the La Mars and the Santeys for nerve and skill. The Klarkoskies and their white horses give a really graceful display, and their acrobatics on horseback are extraordinary. The trained horses, elephants and polar bears all demonstrate the mastery of human gentleness and patience over even the most obdurate of orute minds. All these turns are interesting and occasionally sensational Coupled with amusing buffoonery between the acts, these and the other major spectacles explain the popularity of the big tent. The season is continuing for several more days, and in the afternoons the__menagerie alone is ’•veil worth a visit.