About this Event
ABOUT THE SHOW
Watch renowned psycho-entomologist Professor A.G. Gertsacov as he displays his trained fleas, Midge and Madge, the diminutive stars of his Victorian-style flea circus. These educated insects will perform death-defying circus stunts and stunning sideshow antics as seen before (and on top of) the crowned heads of Europe.
ABOUT FLEA CIRCUSES
The first documented flea performances date back to 16th-century Europe, and the efforts of watchmakers to demonstrate their skill in fine metalwork. In 1578, Mark Scaliot chained a flea using an 11-piece lock made of steel, iron, and brass that weighed only “one grain.” Around 1830 the fleas, not the watch works, became the stars of the show when Italian showman Louis Bertolotto brought his “extraordinary exhibition of industrious fleas” to London’s Regent Street, spawning generations of “flea circuses.” These live flea circuses led by a human “professor,” or ringmaster, were highly popular throughout the Victorian era, and continued as a popular carnival attraction until the 1930s. By the 1960s, most flea circuses had died out, as modern hygiene led to the demise of most of its miniature entertainers. There are now only a handful of flea circuses still performing throughout the world, and Gertsacov’s is arguably the most famous.
Professor A.G. Gertsacov’s educated insect stars pull chariots, dance on a tightwire, and perform other circus-like stunts. While he does not reveal his method of training (a proprietary secret), he assures the curious and the civic-minded that he uses only methods of positive reinforcement to teach the insects their routines. “I treat them as if they are my own flesh and blood,” Gertsacov says. “And in some ways, they are.”
ABOUT THE PRESENTER Born in Rhode Island (but now based in Spain) Professor Gertsacov has devoted decades performing as a clown, actor, director, and artist. He is a graduate of numerous circus schools, and has studied with clown luminaries such as Dario Fo, Avner Eisenberg, Bill Irwin, and Ctibor Turba. His amazing insect stars have performed throughout the United States, and in Canada, Chile, and Brazil. Gertsacv spent three months performing in Times Square, less than two blocks from where the flea circuses of the early 1900s proliferated, staging the historic and triumphant return of the flea circus to Times Square. Gertsacov has also been filmed for documentaries on the History Channel, the Travel Channel, and numerous news programs. He received a Rhode Island State Council on the Arts grant for the Acme Miniature Flea Circus.
Professor Gertsacov invites curious parties of all ages to come and see the show that has appeared in front of amused audiences all over the world. But he asks that you leave your dogs and cats at home—“I don’t want anyone to steal the show,” he quips.
ABOUT THE PERFORMANCES
Saturday November 9th 12pm in The Clubhouse Cafe (upstairs)
Sunday November 10th 12pm in The Clubhouse Cafe (upstairs)
The show will be presented in English.
Pay What You Want: This is a free (pay what you want) show. You will be invited to make a donation at the end of the show based on how much you thought it was worth. Please bring cash to donate at the end!
This show is part of the Barcelona Fringe Festival 2024, a multilingual comedy and performing arts festival with 200+ shows across multiple venues in Barcelona. Find the full program and tickets here: https://barcelonafringefestival.com/fringe-festival-events/
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Clubhouse Cafe, 10 Carrer dels Canvis Nous, Barcelona, Spain
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