"There are truths which are not for all men, nor for all times." Voltaire ~ 1761

A Little Circus History

The electrifying performances of the circus' of old were very different than today. It has evolved from the early Roman acts of bravery and challenge. The Romans themselves were the greatest audiences holding daily performances in the Arena, which hosted juggling, tightrope walking and fire eating as well as gladiators and chariot races. The word "circus" literally means "ring", and was established to set a boundary for the animals to work within.

After the fall of Rome in 476 A.D., the performers disbanded and scattered throughout the known World for other places to practice their arts.

"M.Voltaire"
(Francois Marie Arouet)
(1694 - 1778)

Born in Paris, Voltaire was the most influential writer and philosopher of the French Enlightenment. A man of noble background, he was inclined to aristocracy. He adopted the name Voltaire after his imprisonment in the Bastille (1717-1718) for writing satiric verse. Jailed again briefly in the Bastille in 1726, he was exiled to England for three years, then lived in France and Germany, and returned to Paris in 1772.

Best known for his classical tragedies, he was also a poet and a correspondent of tremendous value. Voltaire was also known as a fighter for social reform. As a leader of the philosophies, he tried to reform the hierarchical French Ancient Regime, and the system of criminal justice and taxation. Voltaire opposed persecution and rejected materialism in favor of determinism. He pioneered modern historiography with his valuable historical works, such as the History of Charles XII, Age of Louis XIV, and Essay on Manners. The frivolity of the Cirqus had always appealed to his manner, and took on the task of forming his own.

History of the Cirqus Voltaire

In the most rebellious of times during 1771, one of the authors of the new time was indeed Voltaire, a scholarly rascal with a vivid tongue and sharp quill. Along with other men of valor, began a movement of "Enlightenment" based in the scientific revolution of Galileo and Newton from the previous century. They felt the universe was infinite and that the spirit of man should be free to wander as well.

Voltaire himself then brought together a group of the most talented street performers and philosophers of modern day France and founded the "Troupe des Voltaire" or Voltaire's Group in 1772. The men would speak from inside the masterful "ring" and voice their ideas to France and the World through the audience.

This new name, "Cirqus Voltaire" was adopted and first spoken by Voltaire himself during a tense game of "9 Hole" Bagatelle at the Cafe Procope in Paris. Along with their romantic works of the pen, the Cirqus talent included jugglers, tiger tamers, high wire fellows, an old lady, and of course the lightning-ball walkers and throwers. The "Group des Voltaire" had the most marvelous acts, those of electricity, fire and passion, the same that willed France toward revolution in 1789.

Cirqus Voltaire - The Pinball

Along with any good story, the Cirqus Voltaire "Troupe" were among the best of bagatelle players in France. Many a night was illuminated with wild games against French Soldiers and their Captains. Today this spirit will continue in our new pinball table as you try to JOIN the Cirqus Voltaire. As the player you enter the great CIRQUS THEATRE in the heart of Paris and are requested to perform before the audience and mysterious judges. Your first SKILL task is to charge the Ringmaster's Ring. This will guide you to the place where the Cirqus is performing.

Once there you have nothing to keep you from discovering the splendor and thrill of the Cirqus. For you the player, the RINGMASTER is the key and challenging him to speak and reign over the Cirqus is your best hope. Amidst the three RINGS are the Cirqus Marvels to be found and accomplished. The pinball will find the Menagerie, Juggler, High Voltage High Wire, The Spin, Amazing Acrobats, Boom Balloons and, of course, the BallyHoo Sideshow.

The enchanting "Lady of the Cirqus" will guide and show you the way of Voltaire's greatest Cirqus. You must complete all nine Marvels of the Cirqus to Join the Troupe Voltaire and continue on in Cirqus immortality. This is where VOLTAIRE appears during the final challenge.

OBJECT

Explore the playfield for more information on how to play Cirqus Voltaire.