The Christchurch earthquake last February forced many circus performers to flee the city in search of work. Their base - the Circo Arts school - was damaged in the quake and is likely to be demolished. But they're now slowly returning, as a new base for circus performers is established in the city.
A PDF copy of pages 244-245 of the book Christchurch: The Transitional City Pt IV. The pages document the transitional project 'The Arts Circus'. Renders: Pivnice
An infographic showing the proposed Arts Circus.
A video of an interview with Danny Lee about a show put on by the Circus Trust. The show is based on a post-disaster scenario, reflecting the situation in Christchurch. Lee talks about the inspiration for the show, as well as the difficulties finding rehearsal and show venues in Christchurch after the earthquakes. The video also includes footage of the dress rehearsal for the show.
An open field along the west side of Manchester street, bounded by a row of well-grown English Poplars and known as the Circus Paddock, was regularly used for touring circuses which came to town.
Tonight Christchurch's Bread & Circus Buskers festival is swinging into action, and its promising to lure the biggest crowds to the central city since pre-earthquake times. But organisers admit the festival hasn't escaped its dire financial past, despite new management and a rebrand as the Bread and Circus Festival last year. And it it will still be running at a loss until about 2022. Katie Todd reports.
A PDF copy of pages 318-319 of the book Christchurch: The Transitional City Pt IV. The pages document the transitional project 'Macbeth'. Photos: Darryl Cribb