JEAN-MICHEL GUY — WHAT IS CONTEMPORARY CIRCUS?

JEAN-MICHEL GUY — WHAT IS CONTEMPORARY CIRCUS?

A Collection of Essays

Jean-Michel Guy (born in 1956) is a French sociologist who has devoted more than four decades to cultural research and the study of circus arts in France. He is the author of numerous studies and articles on circus. Combining his extensive sociological expertise with hands-on experience in the circus world, he also works as a dramaturg, director, and evaluator of international circus projects. He is actively involved in the work of French circus festivals and organisations.

This collection of essays offers a key to understanding the world of contemporary circus. Whether you have seen hundreds of performances or have yet to experience your first, it invites you to take a fresh look at this performing art form: its origins, its similarities to other art forms, and the ways in which it differs from them.

Above all, this book shares the central ambition of contemporary circus itself: the pursuit of depth. Like the performances it explores, these texts seek new words, perspectives, and ways of analysing the art form, moving beyond mere entertainment and cheap tricks.

At the same time, the collection offers a theoretical exploration of a young art form that has already reinvented itself time and again. Keeping pace with its constant transformation — or even beginning to understand it — demands a mind as flexible as rubber.

CREDITS

Translated from French into Lithuanian by Veronika Vasiljeva-NiparavičienėIntroduction by Gildas AleksaEdited by Monika GrigūnienėProofread by Simona Grušaitė-ŠukienėBook design by Jurgis Griškevičius

The Lithuanian edition is presented by Teatronas in collaboration with Hubris Publishing.

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