We were sitting on the lower circle in Cordes-sur-Ciel when a young man came over to the table and handed us a small flyer. I thought “Oh boy, somebody trying to sell us something, or ask for money”. I know, cynical me. He was a member of a small traveling circus from Reunion Island called Le Cirque LonTan. He told us the circus was in town for several days and invited us to come see and have some fun. Later, we heard drums and other instruments, and the circus folks were parading around the town, “drumming” up business. We thought “why not?” and planned to go.We went, I think, the following evening. Down a narrow lane to a small grassy field; a tarp curtain drawn across the field; a small table with someone selling tickets. We could see the tower for the aeriel acts behind the tarp. Inside, we found no tent and some homemade wooden benches. Lots of kids. A small band started playing and the band leader, now in ringmaster costume came out and introduced the circus with a few magic tricks, all in French. Everybody had a wonderful time, the kids especially. A couple of “curtain fliers”, a mystic walking on glass, a wolf (person inside), and a few other acts. Not exactly the Cirque-du-Soleil, but lots of energy, music, fun and good entertainment. No beer. Their license was only for 3 days and the day we went was not one of them.
If you see the Cirque LonTan someday, stop in and say ‘Hi” to the gang. See the show and enjoy. You might enjoy the YouTube videos to get a feel for a real circus for real people in small venues. What a treat.
Image: Cirque Poster, not very good image.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upVMH0Uu38k&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScH4WLvnmPg
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