JEDDAH, 6 July 2003 — The atmosphere reverberated with shouts of excitement as breathtaking acts were performed one after the other at the Big Top 2003 that opened with two shows on Thursday.
There was the daring eight-member Kreto team from Romania, who performed hair-raising acrobatics. The act was interspersed with comedy and fun.
One of the items that excited the children the most was a South American hardhead team, led by Roberto Nafas, whose daring moves included playing with each other’s caps while in the air.
The Valentine team from Budapest, which has traveled the world, is at the circus presenting stunts at a height of 12 meters. The game includes a dangerous double jump that was executed with utmost precision and coordination.
Eight Moroccan athletes, all high-jump professionals, kept everyone spellbound with their fast moves as each one of them managed to shoulder all the others in a single sequence.
Then there is the Brompack team, which was nominated by Germany to represent the country in the Monte Carlo International tournament. Their rapid-fire knife-throwing act beggared belief.
Children were roaring with joy when a one-meter high pygmy presented one of the funniest segments called “Trevor the Pygmy.”
In the Belgium Pat show, spectators watched the performer walk 10 meters above the ground and then descend gradually, while the Zurich show — originally from Ecuador — engages in a breathtaking game that uses water jets targeted at a professional who keeps his balance in spite of them.
Comic relief throughout the show came from the antics of a team from Romania and the Alexis comedy team. The Alexis team is a trio from Spain and Poland.
“This is the second time we’ve taken part in the annual Jeddah Festival,” said Muhammad Moumena, director of the local organizing company. “We’ve done our best to bring the best circus and acrobatics to entertain vacationers, residents and visitors.”
The circus will continue its show every Sunday and Monday evening, and two shows from Tuesdays to Fridays up to Aug. 3, at its 2,400 sq. ft. pavilion that accommodates 3,000 spectators, at Al-Andalus Street, opposite Al-Azizia Panda. Every show features a draw in which the winner gets 30 gm of gold.
