Beyond the Banners: A Look at How the Circus Impacted the Disability Community
Beyond the Banners: A look at how the circus impacted the disability community
Thursday, August 27
7 – 8 pm
$5 for Members | $25 for Non-Members
Circus sideshows invited crowds to explore the more wild and odd side of life and used banners to invite the curious into a world seemingly different to their everyday lives. The sensation these sideshows relied on however often came from taking advantage of a person with a disability. At the same time, many of these performers were able to build independent and happy lives through the work opportunities circuses provided.
Join Jason Harris for a look at performers beyond their banners and the complex impact the circus has had on the history of disability in America. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. A virtual viewing option is available for this talk – registrants will receive a zoom link the day of the program.
Step right up and discover dangers and delights alike in Freaks & Sideshows: American Circus Banners 1920 – 1970. Often more thrilling than the acts they promoted, circus banners enticed audiences to wander through the strange and wild side of life through bold colors and designs. Freaks & Sideshows explores the people behind the banners – both the signpainters and the performers – and shares the stories behind sensational and often exploitive nature of the circus. Come be amazed by over 30 banners seen in midways across the country during the 1920s – 1970s.
Freaks & Sideshows is comprised of banners on loan from the collection of Dave & Lynn Waller.
Exhibit On View
July 30 – October 4
