Artist innovates classic circus traditions at fest

The show featured all the archetypal figures of the circus, such as the clown, the lion tamer or the horseback dancer, through the solo performance of Thomas, 44, who was trained at the world-famous Frantelini circus school.

“It is the most difficult job in the world,” said Thomas prior to the premiere, while explaining the harsh and demanding conditions for dancers and artists as a whole.

Thomas was responding to inquiries on whether he would recommend the work of circus artist to his son, Gabin, 6, also present that day.

Thomas explained that the most difficult but most important aspect of his work is to face the public throughout the show.

“It’s terrible,” he said about the pressure of being surrounded by the audience, noting he could observe their eyes and expressions while performing.

“You must anticipate the reactions of the public,” he said.

“I want to be an acrobat,” Gabin added.

In 2001, Thomas decided to create his own “circular” shaped circus to denounce the trend of holding what he described as “frontal” presentations in most contemporary circuses. “I was a rebel,” he went on, “I wanted to be provocative.”

Since it was established, “Cirque Lili” (Lili Circus) has held almost 300 shows worldwide, in a unique tent made of wood and red cloth.

The circus shows will be held several times during the festival, which runs until Nov. 4 at the Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall — formerly called Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

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