Circus history is replete with many examples of artists performing on all kinds of mechanical contraptions. The Sunday November 20th session of Circus History Live! visited a history-making contemporary American circus that specifically showcases the relationship between the acrobatic and mechanical worlds.

The program featured a conversation with former Cirque du Soleil German Wheel artist Chris Lashua, who created Cirque Mechanics. Chris was a BMX bicycle performer as a youth. He was recruited by Cirque du Soleil to build a German Wheel act for their Quidam production. While performing with that show, he gained a reputation as a visionary of circus gadgetry. His creative energy and engineering chops led him to "run away" with his own circus company, Cirque Mechanics, now based in Las Vegas.       

This program was hosted by Circus Historical Society vice president Chris Berry.

All Circus History Live! sessions are free and open to members and nonmembers. However, registration is required. 

Nonmembers are invited to Join the Circus Historical Society. For only $60 per year, you will receive 4 issues of our journal of circus history, Bandwagon and have access to our Back Yard website where you can purchase used circus books, programs, etc. in our Bookstore and read recent back issues of Bandwagon online.

This and all previous Circus History Live! programs are available for viewing on the CHS YouTube Channel.