Franz Izako's Circus in Singapore 1934

Franz Izako's circus was set-up at Anson Road when it arrived in Singapore in 1934. Izako and most of his performers are Russians. That been said there were other nationalities as well. It was reported on 7 April 1934 that a ship carrying 250 animals, 150 artistes and a huge tent providing seating accommodation for 4,000 people was on it's way to Singapore. The vessel, the " Kut Sang" which he chartered for 22,000 rupees carried Frank Izako's Circus from its previous performance location at Calcutta to Singapore. The circus troupe was then labelled as one of the largest and best shows in the east with 150 artist and 240 animals onboard. It was reported in the same papers that it was not Franz Izako's first visit to Singapore (having pitched his tent on Raffles Reclamation 2 years ago). This time around he brought along a pair of Albino Arabian steeds which are pure white with pink eyes that cost him 35,000 rupees. 

Franz Izako's Circus Grand Opening night on 14 April 
(source: NewspaperSG)

Frank Izako, king of the sawdust ring celebrated his 60th anniversary in business with his arrival in Singapore. 

Frank Izako 

The circus act was reported to include;

• Mr. Damoo's training of wild animals and the circus troupe was reported to have about 240 animals collected from around the world and one of the acts include a tiger and lions in a cage with Mr. Damoo training them without a whip.  
• Kafkas' Cuban Cossack Troupe performing on horses
• Rudenco Troupe on trapeze. The troupe consist of 6 members high up on the big top
• Chinese acrobatical feats
• Mr. French - an expert juggler 
• Polish Musical Clowns
• feats of strength by Mr. and Mrs. Ramono

and many others. In attendance for one of the shows (probably on the grand night opening ) was the Hon. Mr. Andrew Caldecott and a party from the Government house. 

Franz Izako Circus advertisement 
(source: NewspaperSG)

References

Circus King of the Orient. Franz Izako Back in Singapore. (1934, April 4). The Singapore Free Press, page 3

Izako's Circus. (1934, April 7). Malaya Tribune, page 13

Franz Izako, the circus owner, who has just celebrated his 60th anniversary in the business, in Singapore. (1934, May 17). The Straits Budget, page 18

All the Fun of the Fair At Anson Road. (1934, April 16). The Straits Times, page