Circus Siola: small but defiant

Small but defiant

While they were stranded during the pandemic, Circus Siola’s caravans were shot at and its performers insulted as ‘scum’. Is there no place in our society for Siola’s ‘classical old-European circus art’? By Aaron Leithäuser

Black-and-white photo: Michael of Circus Siola balances a bicycle on his chin – a small circus during the coronavirus pandemic

For the Frank family of performers, the coronavirus pandemic brought their circus dreams to a halt, at least for the time being. Stranded on the sports ground at Föhrste near Alfeld, Michael Frank and his mother Emmi faced unexpected obstacles.

At the start of the crisis, the Franks still enjoyed the solidarity of local people. But over time the mood changed. According to a report in the Alfelder Zeitung, the small circus’s caravans were shot at with an air rifle more than 40 times in night-time attacks. The Franks lived in fear and uncertainty.

Keeping animals also caused controversy. Circus Siola has ponies, dogs, goats and pigeons. Recently the family came under scrutiny from the veterinary authority, which complained that the circus goats had no ear tags. The family has to pay off the €330 fine in monthly instalments.

But the Franks are not giving up. As a circus they receive no subsidies and depend on donations. Their new programme includes acrobatics and small-animal training, clowning, juggling and fire-eating.

Black-and-white photo: Michael steps through the curtain beneath the ‘Mini Zirkus Siola’ sign into the empty ring – the small Circus Siola during the coronavirus pandemic — **Michael steps out from behind the ring curtain**. Normally the audience would applaud. But during the pandemic no spectators are allowed.

Black-and-white photo: empty folding chairs around the small ring in the circus tent – the small Circus Siola during the coronavirus pandemic — **The circus tent** holds 40 spectators.

Black-and-white photo: Piccolo the pony stands in a fenced enclosure next to a trailer – the small Circus Siola during the coronavirus pandemic

Black-and-white photo: Emmi sits pensively at the table in her trailer – the small Circus Siola during the coronavirus pandemic — **Emmi sits at the table in her trailer** and looks at her aching feet. Neither she nor her son Michael has health insurance.

Black-and-white photo: Fleckchen the dog lies on the floor of Emmi’s trailer, keeping warm – the small Circus Siola during the coronavirus pandemic — **Fleckchen the dog** lies warming himself in front of the stove in Emmi’s trailer. Michael and Emmi are given donations of firewood every now and then.

The circus owner Michael holds up an old photo to the camera showing him as a boy with a friend, photographed by Aaron Leithäuser — **Michael holds an old photo** up to the camera showing him as a boy with a friend. Emmi and Michael have one shoebox of documents and one of old photos.

Black-and-white photo: Michael demonstrates a trick with a white dove taking off from his hand – the small Circus Siola during the coronavirus pandemic — **Michael demonstrates a trick** he has taught one of his pigeons.

Black-and-white photo: Michael in a patterned cap beneath the edge of the circus tent – the small Circus Siola during the coronavirus pandemic

Black-and-white photo: Emmi stands alone in a wide meadow in front of wooded hills – the small Circus Siola during the coronavirus pandemic — **Emmi worries** about what will happen when she becomes too weak to help Michael with the work.

Black-and-white photo: Fleckchen the dog looks out through a curtained window of an old trailer – the small Circus Siola during the coronavirus pandemic — **Fleckchen is Emmi and Michael’s burglar alarm.** When anyone approaches the circus, the dog starts barking.

Black-and-white photo: Michael in his clown costume stands in front of the circus tent and trailers – the small Circus Siola during the coronavirus pandemic — **Michael** in his clown costume in front of the circus tent.

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