YEREVAN. - Travelling Imperial Circus of St. Petersburg, which will perform in Armenia in August, has prepared an extraordinary program for Armenian spectators. 

Andrei Mitachkin, Deputy Director of the circus, told Armenian News – NEWS.am that both their best actors and numerous animals – African lions, camels, monkeys, horses and ponies – will feature in the performances. 

The tour of the Imperial Circus, dedicated to the memory of the People’s Artist of Armenia Leonid Yengibaryan, will last for about a month, from August 22 through October 4. The circus will be located in the area of the former dolphinarium; the tickets will cost 2000 AMD. According to Mitachkin, they may stay in Armenia for even longer period. 

“If the spectators ask, we extend the period [of our stay]. And our key objective is to bring joy to the Armenian spectators. It’s important for us to justify their expectations,” Mitachkin said, noting that the circus may also visit Armenian provinces.

Mitachkin, who has been in Armenia for already a month, is not only impressed by the capital and people, but also the Armenian circus art. According to him, in contrast to other countries, circus art is not endangered in Armenia.

“Powerful circus art has been formed in Armenia. Everything is fine with circus here. But all over the world there are issues related to the circus art; either it is weakly controlled or it’s substituted by something else. For instance, there are circuses which work without animals,” he said.