FOUR CAUTIONARY CIRCUS TALES FOR THE PRESENT FUTURE

by Chang Lok

The project is inspired by the 19th-century circus performances that were part of leisure and entertainment facilities like pleasure gardens and theatres. The four cautionary tales represent four aspects of circus activities and in this instance, they are trampoline, tightrope walking, trapeze, and the whole circus performance itself.


The focal point is the Horse Head Theatre, inspired by the Greek Trojan Horse myth. The project attempts to revive the appearance of animals which was an important aspect of circus origins and has been forgotten today. The symbol of the horse is reflected in the façade design as well as the performances. The roles of the performers and audience are also reversed with the performers arriving from the outside during the show.