SHORT TAKES : Bankrupt Soviet Circus Departs
Performers in a Soviet circus troupe whose dreams of fame in America vanished as debts mounted and animals were seized were headed home today after being stranded here since May.
Thirty-nine members of the bankrupt Great Circus Bim Bom, whose two-year U.S. tour was cut short just after it began, were due to fly to Leningrad from New York this afternoon, said the New York promoter for a rival Soviet circus who is financing the trip.
“It’s ended. Our trip, our journey is ended. All our hopes are broken. I hope next time will be better,” lamented Great Circus Bim Bom Music Director Boris Rivchun.
Two dozen circus staff plan to stay in Atlanta temporarily to seek release of the troupe’s animals and equipment to return them to the Soviet Union, said Artistic Director Yuri Turkin.
He said a few performers had found work in Canada and Chicago and another group returned to the Soviet Union from Las Vegas several weeks ago.
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