"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
The main goal is to complete all nine Cirqus Marvels located on the center
grid of lights on the playfield. Completing any three Marvels in a line will
illuminate the corresponding CIRQUS letter. You must light all CIRQUS letters
to light "Join the Cirqus" and continue on to Cirqus Immortality as a
performer.
Explore the playfield for more information on how to play Cirqus Voltaire.
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