Duffy's Irish Circus (2006)

"What do you know about an Irish Circus?" As a writer and a poet, I was always interested in the link between performance and one's native culture. Ireland has produced such a rich history of exceptional artists that it was interesting to me what kinds of bridges there were between past traveling artisans, and the lifestyle of performance artists today. The circus is such a mystical lifestyle that it was interesting to be able to find a group of circus people who were living like they had for hundreds of years. In the summer of 1998, I followed an Irish circus passed down from father to son, which has performed every year since 1775, through famines, wars, and of course, plenty of rain. Run by a 7th generation Duffy, David Duffy (who refers to his young 3 year-old son as 'the eighth generation'), Duffy's Irish Circus is a one-ring circus that does everything the old fashioned way. Making its way into every tiny village and foggy bog, this circus is a remarkable relic of what show-biz used to be. Doing everything themselves (including setting up and taking down the 'big top') the characters are entertainers who have made a life out of traveling, hardships, and dreams. Product Description

A Wonderful Look at a Vanishing Breed

This DVD is a tremenduous introduction to a vanishing form of entertainment, the traditional traveling circus -- the real deal, with animals, and not some grandiose theatrical technical production that typfies the nouveau cirque we see so much of these days. As one who spent twenty years with small tented circuses here in the United States and Canada, it was wonderful to see someone still out there presenting the traditional circus. I had the opportunity to meet Dave Duffy at an Irish dinner theater in Dublin a few years ago and he was as gracious and friendly then as he is depicted in this great DVD. The filmmaker truly captured the essence of this unique form of entertainment. If you cannot travel to Ireland to see the show, then get this DVD -- well worth the price. A must have for the circus fan.

W.H. Schreiber June 17, 2007

Run Away With the Circus!

I really loved this film. I saw it at a film festival last summer. I haven't seen anything like it. It took me to a place I hadn't been before- and frankly never thought I'd go. Traveling with the circus in Ireland. Fascinating take on circus life. If you like documentary films, you should get this. And if you're Irish- it's even better!!! December 2, 2006

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