The circus comes to Grounds

Photo by Dan Addison.

When the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus performed at U.Va.’s new John Paul Jones Arena, two clowns made an extra appearance. Mitch Freddes and Tom Daugherty discussed the American circus in the 20th century, along with drama professor and circus history expert LaVahn Hoh, who teaches the only accredited course in the United States on the history of the American circus. Freddes (left in photo) is a traditional Auguste clown characterized by brightly colored face makeup and baggy clothes. Daugherty, a theatrical clown, performs in a newer, 21st-century style, distinguished by wearing less makeup and interacting with the audience.