Empty Big Top
After a disappointing run in Houston, the Russian horse troupe Artania pitched their tents and stables on a forgotten patch of dirt on Industrial Boulevard. Within two weeks the show was bankrupt, the performers scattered, and the tents abandoned.
After successful runs in Europe and Canada, the world famous Russian horse circus troupe behind Artania headed to Texas for what they hoped would be a breakthrough American tour. After a disappointing run in Houston, they pitched their tents and stables on a forgotten patch of dirt on Industrial Boulevard, across the street from Fuel City and not too far from where the Sportatorium used to stand. Within two weeks the show was bankrupt, the performers scattered, and the tents abandoned.
The Russian troupe is the second foreign act to be stranded in Dallas in recent years – a band of Chinese acrobats were abandoned by their promoter in Dallas three years ago. Like the Chinese acrobats, the Russian troupe has found a way to put together some performances to small crowds, first in Rockwall and now at the Southfork Ranch, and their story has even been featured on the CBS Evening News.
Here, photographer Teresa Burkett visits the abandoned circus grounds off Industrial Boulevard. Left to the elements, the structures are beginning to collapse, swathes of tarp falling in on itself.
– Peter Simek
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