THE 12TH WORLD FESTIVAL of the Circus of Tomorrow presented 32 acts in four nights in Paris Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. Here is a report on the juggling acts.

 

Original and full of theatricality, Boul' s act was enhanced by music specially composed for him. The 21-year-old Frederic Zipperlin (his real name) has worked since age 15 with the Annie Fratellini circus. He received a certificate of professional aptitude (C.A.P.) there in raising circus tents. Because this young man is a little chubby, he very quickly earned the nickname Bouboul, shortened to Boul, which is now his artistic name.

 

During this period Boull eamed many circus skills, but liked juggling best of all. He admired Francis Brunn and Stanislav Zarkin (the Red Harlequin). He did small shows. In 1985 he left for Canada where he worked in the streets. He was discovered by the management of the Cirque du Solei!, and joined them for the rest of their tour that same year.

 

On returning to France, he began studying dance and contortion. He appeared in a number of television commercials in Europe and Japan whenever someone needed a juggler. That experience taught him to juggle with strange objects, like containers of yogurt!

 

The final touches on his act were created at the national circus arts center in

Chalons-sur-Marne, during the three months preceding the festival. Boul designed his own costume and created his act, which consisted of a single Plexiglas ball, balls, tennis balls, and balloons. He entered the ring inside a big, transparent, inflated bubble that was caressed by warm colored spotlights. His very smooth presentation flowed like a river.

 

A large number of directors rushed to Boul to try to hire him. But all were refused, because he had already signed with the Cirque du Solei! in Canada for the 1989 season. He won a bronze medal and the German Television Prize.

 

Reviews of the other acts follow: