What happens to people who have “the circus” in their blood but are aging out of their physically demanding crafts? Filmmaker Viveka Melki's documentary After Circus focuses on trapeze artists on the wrong side of 50, particularly a graceful aerial artist named Dolly Jacobs, who is approaching 60. Living on a meager income while working for years at a circus in Sarasota, FL, these performers have remained in terrific physical shape but still face a future in which retirement is uncertain (in many senses). And there's a nagging sense that the public takes acrobats for granted, considering them as something less than true performing artists. Melki shows us how these folks turn to one another for appreciation and support, as well as what circus life is like on a daily basis between shows—the conversations, practice, and costume enhancements. But while often charming, the film's unstructured approach makes this feel longer than its relatively short 78-minute running time. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)
After Circus
(2016) 78 min. DVD: $79: public libraries; $350 w/PPR: colleges & universities. Seventh Art Releasing. Volume 33, Issue 1
After Circus
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