Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!*

A throw back to Soviet times, a permanent "state circus" virtually identical to ones I saw on my travels in and Baku and Bishkek.

Looking like landed flying saucers wonderful examples of gorgeous Soviet design and architecture.

It was constructed between 1979-84, able to hold a capacity of 1,700, seated around a 50ft diameter ring

I believed I had done enough research and was really hoping to make a visit to an actual performance.

But alas, it was deserted, locked up, bollocks!

I could'nt even see if there was a slightly ajar window to climb through, too many of these things dotted about the place

Still it was a joy to wander around the building and dream of dancing dogs and prancing horses, let alone ladies in lycra dangling from a piece of string some 70ft above me.
I digress, sorry.

During Soviet times across the Union the entertainment of a Circus was seen as the "people’s entertainment," affordable and appealing to a mass audience. A vehicle for propaganda It allowed the Soviet State to send out ideological messages by way of entertaining spectacles intertwined with communist propaganda to over 70 million of its citizens on a regular basis. "Bread and Circuses" if you will

"Bread and Circuses" referred satirically in Ancient Rome whereby citizens gave up their freedom for free food. Fast forward to the 20th century and find the Stalinist regime using the circus to keep the population entertained and distracted from daily shortages.

An informative health and safety poster, from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan outlining essential fire safety precautions for celebrating Christmas and the New Year. Key safety reminders include ensuring the Christmas tree is securely mounted, using only functional electric lights, and keeping trees away from heat sources and exits.
(cheers google translate)

When Turkmenistan became independent the President Saparmurat Niyazov, 1n 2001, abolished all circuses, opera and ballet performances in the country deeming them to be
"Alien" cultural forms incompatible with the Turkmen mentality and national heritage

In 2008, by Presidential decree no less the new President of Turkmenistan lifted the ban on circus and the State Circus of Turkmenistan was born.

In June that same year reconstruction of the old building of the Turkmen State Circus began, the cost of reconstruction was approximately $17.9 million. A drop in the ocean for a gas and oil rich state.

In October the following year, the Turkmen State Circus was opened with its first presentation. Happy days.

I shall now go and seek out dancing dogs, prancing horses and ladies in lycra, suspended above me or not, elsewhere.

*Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band

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