Cheng Chang Fu Circus (Bukit Brown)

December 17, 2011 Block 4 Div A Bukit Brown circus Early Entertainment

Cheng Kao Shih (Gao Er-Gu), a widow in China in 1910 became companion and business partner to Mr. Sun Si Ting. Sun Si Ting adopted her children and family as her own. Madam Cheng Kao Shih (her name is referred as Gao Er-Gu in the book Life Beyond the Big Top) was descended from a long line of female acrobats and with their union both Sun Si Ting and Cheng Kao Shih became founders of the Tai Thean Kew All Female Acrobatic Troupe. It was so successful that they expanded the troupe to include animals and other performances, taking on the new name of Tai Then Kew All Female Circus in 1925.

Madam Cheng Kao Shih was remembered as a lady of great kindness who gave free tickets to children who cannot afford to see the circus then. One of the key male performer of this circus was Sheum Cheng Fook ( 沈常福 / Shen Chang Fu). He was Madam Cheng Kao Shih son from a previous marriage. Sheum Cheng Fook sought permission from his mother and stepfather to allow him to set-up his own circus. Both gave their blessing and from there was born another famous circus troupe, Chang Fu Circus or also known as Sheum's Circus. Half of the troupe from Tai Thean Kew went over over with him including his biological sisters and her daughters.