Office of Public Affairs

(315) 312-2265


March 4, 2004


CONTACT: Mary Avrakotos, 312-4581


SHANGAI CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN MARCH 25

    OSWEGO -- The New Shanghai Circus will offer up feats of skill and daring when it performs at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 25, at Tyler Hall's Waterman Theatre as part of the Artswego series at SUNY Oswego.

    While lauding the troupe's "super-athletic feats generating 'wow' moments," reviewer Liza Simon of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin noted that "it was the old-fashioned earnestness and intense concentration of the Shanghai Circus performers that mesmerized me."

    Praised by the New York Times for acts "that reach literally breathtaking heights of skill," the troupe performs acrobatic stunts as juggling human bodies with their feet, bicycle tricks, feats of strength, contortions, magic and somersaults through hoops.

    The troupe's origins date back 2,500 years when spectacular acts were performed every year at village harvest celebrations in China.  These competitive activities -- often using items found around peasants' houses, farms and workshops -- continued to develop over the centuries. Today's version represents a refinement that honors that legacy.

    "Ticket sales are brisk and we anticipate a sellout performance," said Mary Avrakotos, Artswego coordinator. "This is a wonderful troupe that usually performs in much larger markets, so having them in Oswego is a real coup."

    The SUNY Oswego Office of International Education and Programs is helping to sponsor the show. Media support is provided by Y94 FM and WCNY Classic FM 91.3.

    Tickets for the New Shanghai Circus cost $20, $15 for seniors and students, $7 for SUNY Oswego students. For information or reservations, call the Tyler Hall box office at 312-2141 or visit www.oswego.edu/arts.

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New Shanghai Circus in action

CIRCUS COMING -- The New Shanghai Circus will present feats of strength and skill when it visits SUNY Oswego for an 8 p.m. performance Thursday, March 25, at Tyler Hall's Waterman Theatre. The New York Times has praised the troupe of acrobats for feats "that reach literally breathtaking heights of skill." For information or reservations, call the Tyler Hall box office at 312-2141 or visit www.oswego.edu/arts.


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