Life is a Circus

By Shay Zeller on Monday, July 17, 2006.

The world's first circuses were theaters in the round, with no tents -- just performers and their acts. We'll explore the culture of the modern circus and how it's evolved over the centuries. We'll talk with Paul Binder, the founder of the Big Apple Circus. The troupe is coming to the Upper Valley this week, and we'll check-in with Vermont's Circus Smirkus tour director Troy Wunderle. Circus Smirkus prepares children from all over the world for careers in the ring. We'll also hear Mark Erelli's song Hartfordtown 1944, in which he tells the tale of a dramatic circus fire in western Massachusetts in the mid 40's.

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Dear Ms Zeller- As a
jan oliver - Mon, 07/17/2006 - 19:37

Dear Ms Zeller-
As a dedicated member/listener of NHPR I was delighted to turn on the radio tonight and hear the circus interviews with Troy Wunderle and Paul Binder. I have been a presenter of Circus Smirkus in Wilton NH for the past five years, as well as a Big Apple fan, and so I throughly enjoyed listening to the interviews with both directors. I truly appreciate the positive publicity that being on
The Front Porch gives the circus, and youth circus in particular.

However my jaw dropped in horror as I listened to the music chosen to close out the program. Do you really think that a folk song memorializing a horrific circus fire is the best way to inspire folks to buy tickets to see two of the few remaining touring Big Top shows? I listened in disbelief as the singer twanged out:
"All eyes were glued to the man on the wire, so nobody saw when the tent caught fire".
PLEASE- people actually DO listen closely to your programs, and in the future choose music that supports your subject.
Yes- I'm a bit sensitive about this, given that I have been working for months to prepare for Circus Smirkus' annual visit to Wilton next week, but these shows are truly labours of love.People work unbelievably hard to make these shows happen and they need all the support they can get. I do hope that you will take a moment to respond to this e-mail and restore my faith in NHPR.

Thank You- Jan Oliver

"Hartfordtown 1944"
Andrew Walsh - Tue, 07/18/2006 - 11:26

"Hartfordtown 1944" Concerns

Hi Jan--

Thanks for writing to The Front Porch . I'm glad to hear you enjoyed most of the show, but regret you didn't appreciate the song we used to wrap up our program.

The Front Porch usually takes a topic and explores it from lots of different angles, often using music, literature and other art forms to expand the conversation. When musician Mark Erelli was a guest on our show several weeks ago, he talked about the impact his song "Hartfordtown 1944" often has on his audiences. Although it's not a happy story, it is a historical and moving one, and we felt it would be a way to bring more texture and context to our program.

Our goal on The Front Porch is to approach subjects thoughtfully, responsibly, and with great curiosity. It's not our intent to harm ticket sales at circus box offices, but neither is it our intent to promote sales of any product, service or event. As journalists, we are not advocates for any of the content we cover on the show.

We really enjoyed putting together the circus show, and I hope your concern with "Hartfordtown 1944" won't limit your future enjoyment of the Front Porch. If you ever have any other questions or concerns, please drop us a line anytime!

Best--
--Andrew Walsh (Front Porch producer)