Interscholastic Trapeze Artists (1) | University of Illinois Archives

Title:
Interscholastic Trapeze Artists (1)
Date:
May 15, 1926
Description:

Image features members of the interscholastic circus practicing and performing their acts like walking on their hands, the tightrope, axe juggling, and trapeze artistry. Because the circus was traditionally held under the lights of Memorial Stadium field, these images show performers doing their routines on the military practice field just north of the stadium. Presumably, this image series was taken during the daytime practices before their night-time performance.

The interscholastic circus was an annual spring event where students, under the training of circus coach Carlos Wagner, trained as clowns and performers to put on a university circus show. There were awards presented to different categories focused on clownery, performance, and fraternity/sorority participation. Campus Greek life was integral to these performances every year.

During the performances, people in odd-ball costumes would entertain crowds as clowns. However, as we reflect on these clowns, there are racially charged elements of blackface and red face that were normal at the time but are inappropriate and racist by modern standards. We mention this to note that some may be offended by these images, and we want to provide context, not justification.

Due to the volatile nature of nitrate film, the image can be found here:

https://medusa.library.illinois.edu/cfs_files/54038932

Phys. Desc:
Digital File can be found in JP_2 and TIF
ID:
2630002_ACT_2_9035_Circus
Repository:
University of Illinois Archives
Found in:
Creators:
Subjects:
Rights:

Copyright Bernard A. Strauch.

Copyright of this image is NOT owned by the University of Illinois and the image is provided here for personal use only. Any other use of this image is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the copyright holder. Please contact us for more information.



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