Circus Roncalli Ditches Live Animals for Holograms
Circus Roncalli, a trailblazer in Europe's circus scene since 1976, has transformed its performances by replacing live animals with holograms. The circus, founded by Bernhard Paul, now offers a circus circus spectacle that audiences appreciate for both its ethical considerations and spectacular nature.
The circus's official website, roncalli.de, provides details on current shows, tour dates, and ticket booking. Human performers, such as acrobats, clowns, and magicians, interact with holographic animals in the show, creating a unique blend of traditional circus arts and modern technology.
Eleven ZU850 laser projectors generate a 360-degree spectacle of high-resolution animal images in the arena. The creative team, led by Erich Schaffner, has developed this holographic approach, allowing for innovative scenarios like animals defying gravity or appearing in fantastical settings.
Circus Roncalli began phasing out exotic animals in the 1990s and completed the transition to a fully holographic performance by 2017. By embracing this cruelty-free approach, Circus Roncalli has become the first circus in the world to eliminate ethical concerns about animal welfare while preserving the thrill of a traditional circus.
