David H. Bell met with Director of Education Marilyn J. Halperin and Associate Director of Education Beatrice Bosco on the patio of his Evanston home to record a conversation about the circus, which is going through a complex period of growth and redefinition. He traced some of the historical trends and current movements that have converged to create the contemporary landscape of non-verbal performance styles.

Northwestern University Associate Professor David H. Bell has made a life-long study of the art of the theater, including commedia dell’arte, clown, and circus arts. He has been the Artistic Director of Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C., and the Associate Artistic Director of the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, and has directed productions on Broadway, off Broadway, nationally and internationally. Bell has worked as a director, choreographer, playwright, and lyricist and has directed eight productions at CST, beginning with 1999’s The Comedy of Errors.

Listen to Bell’s comments by clicking on the players below.