News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 1/27/05   Click on image for publication quality photo  HIGH FLYING CIRCUS TRADITION AT THE COLUMBIA – With aerialists, gymnasts, contortionists, clowns, dancers, human puppets, and ornate costumes and backdrops, the Moscow Circus’ performance of “A Russian Winter’s Tale” combines drama, cultural history, excitement and entertainment. Presented by some of the greatest circus performers on earth, the European-style circus is coming to Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m. on Feb. 17. “A RUSSIAN WINTER’S TALE” TO SHOWCASE RUSSIA’S RICH CIRCUS TRADITION AT SOUTHEASTERN’S COLUMBIA THEATRE      HAMMOND – The rich circus tradition of Russia is coming to Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts on Feb. 17 when the renowned Moscow Circus presents “A Russian Winter's Tale.”       “The Moscow Circus is one of the crown jewels of Russia’s cultural heritage,” said Columbia Director Donna Gay Anderson. “This European-style circus combines drama, cultural history, and, most of all, the excitement and entertainment that can only be created by some of the greatest circus performers on earth.”       Anderson said a limited number of tickets for the 7 p.m. performance are still available at the Columbia box office, 220 E. Thomas Street, 985-543-4371. Tickets are $33, Orchestra 1 and Loge; $27, Orchestra 2 and Balcony 1; $20, Orchestra 3; and $19, Balcony 2. Box office hours are noon-5 p.m., weekdays.      Anderson said the excitement of “A Russian Winter’s Tale” will begin the minute patrons enter the Columbia lobby. “They will find themselves in the midst of a traditional Russian folk festival, where they can mingle with musicians, clowns, beautifully costumed performers, and dancers even before the curtain goes up,” she said.       On stage, the 25-member cast of Russian and Ukrainian aerialists, singers, gymnasts, folk musicians, contortionists, and clowns will share centuries-old tales and fables of Russia, presenting a show that will delight children and adults alike.       Since the reign of Catherine the Great, Russian circus has been regarded as an art form on par with ballet or opera. The Moscow Circus of Nikulin, founded in 1880, has long been the most respected and loved circus in Russia.  After the turmoil of the revolution in 1917, Russian circus developed in quality and in scale in a way that was unparalleled in other countries because it was a truly egalitarian form of entertainment.  The circus has continued to thrive, even sustaining the collapse of the communist regime, and recently celebrated its 120th anniversary.      “A Russian Winter's Tale” enjoyed a highly successful American premiere tour in 2002-2003 including performances at Ohio University, Miami University, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and Playhouse Square Center's Allen Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio.      For additional information about the Moscow Circus performance, contact the Columbia at 985-549-4366 or visit www.selu.edu/columbia.