Archaos is a French contemporary circus[1] created by Pierrot Bidon in 1986. It is an alternative, theatrical circus without animals, featuring dangerous stunts like chainsaw juggling, fire breathing, wall of death, etc. Archaos found fame in the UK through Pierrot's association with Adrian Evans, who promoted the company there. Shows have included Chapiteau des Cordes, Bouinax, BX91 and Metal Clown. Archaos sold out for 12 weeks on Clapham Common in 1990, following a UK tour.
The 1991 tour of Metal Clown encountered financial difficulties after the tent was destroyed by gales in Tallaght, Dublin. This, and a number of artistic differences, led to the demise of Archaos. A number of Brits who trained with the company have gone on to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, with companies such as Mischief La-Bas and Flambeaux & The P-Cult.
Archaos also helped inspire the British New Circus movement, led by companies like Mamaloucos[2] (formed in 1996), who went on to collaborate with the Royal National Theatre.
In September 2010, an exhibition in London displayed the Archaos archive of films, photos, audio, etc. Ex-members travelled from all over the world to be at the five-day event. The exhibition was held in memory of Archaos founder Pierrot Bidon, who died earlier in the year. A website hosting the Archaos archive will come online in early 2011.
www.archaos.info launched in March 2011 archiving the Archaos story 1988 - 1992