During colonial Bombay (now Mumbai), acrobats were part of the vibrant performing arts scene, often featured in circuses, theatres, and even public spaces. While circuses were a popular form of entertainment, acrobats were also part of other performance genres, including theatre and public displays. The British influence on the performing arts is evident in the naming of some troupes and venues, but local traditions and artists also shaped the entertainment landscape.
Here's a more detailed look:
Circus:-Indian circuses, particularly those with roots in Kerala, were known for their acrobatic acts. Acrobats trained in academies like Keeleri Kunhikannan's, and some went on to perform in European and American circuses, showcasing their skills on a global stage.
Theatres:-Venues like the Royal Opera House and the Ripon Theatre (later Alfred Talkies) hosted a variety of performances, including acrobatic acts. These theaters also saw the influence of European theatrical styles and entertainment, but local traditions and artists also contributed to the performances.
Public Spaces:-Acrobats, along with other performers, also engaged in public displays, showcasing their skills in various public spaces throughout the city.
British Influence:-British colonial rule had a clear impact on the entertainment scene, with some venues and troupes adopting British names and styles. However, Indian performers also adapted these styles and incorporated them into their own performances, creating a unique blend of local and colonial influences.
Colonial labels:-The colonial administration also attempted to regulate and categorize performers, sometimes labeling them with terms like "slaves" or "prostitutes," but these labels were often contested by the performers themselves who sought to assert their professional identities as artists.
Paul Gerhardt was one of the very first people to produce artist-signed postcards in India. As chief lithographer at the Ravi Varma Press, he arrived in Bombay with the press machinery in the early 1890s. The working language at the Press was German, and lithographers at the time were highly trained technicians and artists. Gerhardt was a painter as well, at times working with the Varma brothers whom he befriended and was admired by (as the younger Varma's diaries record). These postcards, which can be firmly dated to a contract and some of which are signed and dated in 1899, were his own work. Some may date to 1897-98, and some are not signed but likely from similarities in style and backs to have been drawn and produced by him at the Press.
