Circus Ronaldo

Circus Ronaldo is a Belgian family circus that has been active for five generations, currently led by Danny and David Ronaldo. The troupe consists of approximately ten to eleven members and is known for its distinctive theatrical style, which draws heavily on the traditions of sixteenth-century commedia dell'arte. Rather than a conventional big-top circus with animals, Circus Ronaldo performs in a small mobile theatre, touring squares and minor streets across Belgium and Europe. Their performances are characterized by the use of popular masks, limited spoken dialogue in favour of gags, live music, a melancholic atmosphere, and strong audience involvement. Each artist in the company is a multi-skilled performer, proficient in juggling, balancing, music, acting, and clowning. The company's repertoire includes shows such as 'Lazzi', 'Fili', 'Brik à Baran', and 'La cucina dell'arte', the latter having been reviewed by The Guardian in 2014. Circus Ronaldo continues a centuries-old family tradition, passing down knowledge from generation to generation while maintaining a unique artistic identity that transcends the typical circus label.

Circus Ronaldo is a Belgian family circus that has been active for five generations. The company is currently led by Danny and David Ronaldo, who continue the family's long-standing tradition of performance. The troupe consists of approximately ten to eleven members, all of whom are multi-skilled artists. The circus is known for its unique style, which draws heavily on the traditions of sixteenth-century commedia dell'arte. This influence is evident in the use of popular masks, the limited reliance on spoken dialogue in favour of gags (lazzi), the absence of animals, the incorporation of live music, and a melancholic atmosphere. The performances often involve strong audience participation. The family performs in a small mobile theatre, touring squares and minor streets, and passes down its knowledge from generation to generation. Over the years, Circus Ronaldo has developed a repertoire of shows that exemplify this blend of circus and theatre, including 'Lazzi', 'Fili', 'Brik à Baran', and 'La cucina dell'arte'. The latter was reviewed by The Guardian in 2014, bringing international attention to the company. Despite the challenges of commercialisation, as discussed in a 2014 Dutch-language article, Circus Ronaldo remains committed to its artistic heritage and continues to tour.

• 2014

  The Guardian reviews 'La cucina dell'arte', gaining international recognition.

• 2014

  Dutch-language article discusses the challenges of commercialisation.

• Circus Ronaldo is founded as a family circus, now in its fifth generation.

A family-run circus that blends commedia dell'arte with contemporary theatre, performing in intimate mobile venues without animals.

• Lazzi

  A show featuring Danny Ronaldo performing games, illusions, and high-quality balancing mixed with comedy and audience involvement.

• Fili

  A melancholic show featuring typical commedia dell'arte masks such as Arlecchino, the Captain, the Maestro, and jealous females, moving as if on imaginary threads.

• Brik à Baran

  A colonel-presenter introduces the strongest man in the world, a juggler, a fortune-telling magician, an escapologist, and their ridiculous and improbable circus art.

• La cucina dell'arte

  A staging of a kitchen where the two brothers Danny and David must serve a couple of 'customers' taken directly from the audience.

1. 1Circus Ronaldo official websitecircusronaldo.be
2. 2Circus Ronaldo - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Circus Ronaldo - Wikipedia (Italian)it.wikipedia.org