26 October 2010
After many years of discussion and planning, in October 2009, Neil Cohen and Marcello Di Lello, a fifth generation circus entertainer from a famous Italian circus family, began building their dream – Circus Allegria. This modern take on traditional circus shuns the use of performing animals and presents a unique programme of human feats. Their show includes four newly acquired Robe CitySkape 48 fixtures controlled by an LSC Minim 24 Fader DMX. 
“I have been involved in entertainment all my life,” said Neil Cohen, who sold his business ‘Smilemakers’ to help turn a vision into a reality. Neil and Marcello, who has travelled the world as clown and juggler, took nine months to plan and put together this fresh new family spectacle that opened its doors to the public three months ago.
DWR Distribution was recommended by Jeremy Kusner Productions. Lighting gear purchased included 4 x CitySkapes,16 Longman LED Parcans, 6 x Par 56s, a Followspot, LSC Splitter and a LSC Minim 24 Fader. “As we grow, everything including our lighting equipment will grow too,” commented Neil. “Our lighting is great and we use the CitySkapes to create a colourful show. Everyone leaves with a smile on their face.”
The circus entrance has a “goal post” truss onto which four LED parcans and two Par 56s (used for house lighting), are rigged. Two T-Truss stands, each with two LED parcans, are placed on either side of the stage and a bar affixed to the tent poles above the performing area, on each side of the stage, has two CitySkapes and an additional four LED parcans.
The traditional sawdust circus ring has been replaced with a circular stage one metre off the ground, serving as a platform from which the audience can view the show.
“Circus Allegria is a human feat all the way and our contemporary show features modern music, colourful costumes and beautiful lighting,” said Neil. “We prefer to work on grassed grounds rather than on dusty, uneven surfaces.” We offer a substantial kick-back to venues for the use of their facilities. 
The staff at Circus Allegria make all the difference with their friendly and courteous manner and the tent is kept spick and span with seats being cleaned before every show, which includes acrobatics, juggling, hula hoops, human pyramids, clowning and a lot more!
Circus Allegria is scheduled to travel from Gauteng to KwaZulu Natal for the Festive Season, which will be Neil’s first taste of living in caravan. “It’s all very exciting and I’m enjoying every minute of the journey,” he said.
Find out more about Circus Allegria at: www.circusallegria.co.za.
