An incident during a performance of the “Flight of Passion” act at the Weltweihnachtscircus in Stuttgart left two acrobats injured. The 49-year-old male performer was supporting his 19-year-old female colleague by the mouth as she rotated in the air when the incident occurred.
Technical Defect Cited
Zirkuschef Dalien Cohen told reporters the incident was caused by a technical defect with the equipment, stating that the artists themselves were not at fault. The duo has performed the act for approximately ten years. The accident took place during the first third of the show, while the pair were performing a dance on ribbons high above the circus ring.
Following the incident, the circus quickly shielded the ring from view with fabric and directed the audience to the Gastrozelt, a tent used for dining. Emergency personnel provided medical attention to the injured performers, who were both conscious and able to communicate with rescuers. Both acrobats were then transported to separate hospitals in Stuttgart.
Despite the shock, the performance continued after a roughly 30-minute pause, at the request of the performers. “We asked them if we should cancel the show altogether,” Cohen reported, “they said absolutely not.”
Safety Considerations
The acrobatic duo performs without the use of safety harnesses, unlike some other aerial acts, such as those performed by Chinese artists. Cohen explained that the nature of their act—flying from side to side—makes the use of ropes impractical. He also stated that the artists had consciously chosen to perform without additional safety measures.
The atmosphere backstage is somber, with the circus community in shock. While acknowledging that unforeseen events can occur during live performances, the performers are currently out of danger, though the extent of their injuries remains unknown. Cohen is awaiting updates from the treating physicians and plans to visit the pair in the hospital. Those at the circus are hoping for a swift recovery for the two Ukrainian performers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the accident?
According to Zirkuschef Dalien Cohen, a technical defect with the equipment caused the accident.
Did the circus stop the show after the incident?
The show was paused for approximately 30 minutes, but continued at the request of the injured performers.
Why does this duo perform without safety lines?
Cohen explained that the nature of the “Flight of Passion” act, with its side-to-side movements, makes safety lines impractical, and that the artists chose to perform without them.
How do you weigh the risks and rewards inherent in live performance, and what role does audience expectation play in those calculations?
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