could this animal-free holographic experience be the circus of the future?

a german circus has replaced animals with 3D holographic images that depict moving elephants, horses, and even fish. the roncalli circus, which was founded in germany in 1976, wanted to evolve the traditional circus experience in an imaginative and creative way. to do this, the circus used projectors to create holographic images that could fill an arena spanning 32 meters wide (105 feet) and 5 meters deep (16 feet), while ensuring 360 degree visibility for the entire audience.

image © roncalli circus

to achieve the desired effect, roncalli’s agency TAG/TRAUM, in cooperation with bluebox, teamed up with A/V specialists optoma. the collaborative team installed a total of eleven ZU850 laser projectors to create the immersive holographic experience. the installation was completed using eleven BX-CTA03 long throw lenses allowing the projectors to be positioned further away from the stage for ultimate flexibility.

gif by designboom, via optoma EMEA

thousands of visitors are now able to enjoy an entertaining twist on the circus experience, with all-encompassing projections of horses galloping around the arena and elephants performing head stands. the concept is seen as a way for circuses to remain relevant at a time when many are losing business for a variety of different reasons — the potential for animal cruelty being one.

could this holographic technology be the future of the circus experience?