In 1926 at the request of a Serbian toy merchant Calder began designing a series of toys. This then lead to the inspiration for his "Cirque Calder" piece which was a miniature circus fashioned from wire, rubber, cloth, and other found objects. It was made 10 years later in 1936 while Calder lived in Paris. It was designed to be portable as Calder traveled across the seas performing an act that imitated an actual circus on a miniature level.
Throughout the 30s Calder performed his "Cirque Calder" act, but also worked with Martha Graham designing stage sets for her ballets. He also created a moving stage construction for Eric Satie's "Socrate"
Below is a video of Calder setting up and briefly performing his "Cirque Calder"
I never get tired of Calder's circus. Thanks for posting this Steven
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