Explore the fascinating story of Rosa Matilda Richter, the world's first human cannonball, and the rise and legacy of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Delve into the tragic circus train disaster and the dark secrets behind the glittering circus facade. Learn about Pepper's Ghost, a clever illusion technique used in Victorian theatre.
The podcast discusses the success of the full cast audio fiction show, Bridgewater, which reached the top 10 charts on Apple Podcasts and won awards.
Rosa Matilda Richter, also known as Zazal, became the world's first human cannonball, gaining instant celebrity status with her dangerous cannonball act.
Deep dives
Bridgewater and Consumed: Expanding the Universe
Podcaster Aaron Mankey discusses the success of his full cast audio fiction show, Bridgewater, and announces the launch of a new podcast called Consumed. Bridgewater connected with listeners, reaching the top 10 charts on Apple Podcasts and winning awards. Consumed is a monster mystery podcast with a talented cast, including performers like Misha Collins and Rachel Rosenblum. The first two episodes of Consumed are set to premiere on January 31st.
Zazal: The World's First Human Cannonball
In 1877, Rosa Matilda Richter, also known as Zazal, became the world's first human cannonball. Her cannonball act, performed with a rubber spring-loaded cannon, gained her instant celebrity status. Despite the dangerous nature of the stunt, Zazal continued to perform her human cannonball act, touring the world and entertaining crowds of up to 10,000 people. Unfortunately, her career came to an end when she suffered a back injury from a tightrope fall in 1891.
The Rise of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus
The Ringling Brothers, Albert, Otto, Alfred, Charles, John, Henry, and Gus, started their own circus in Baraboo, Wisconsin, in the mid-1880s. The circus quickly grew in size and popularity, eventually acquiring other shows, including Barnum and Bailey. The merged circus became a massive production, with over 1,100 people, 735 horses, and numerous animals. Ringling Brothers Circus became one of the largest circuses in the United States, captivating audiences with its grandeur and providing an escape from everyday life.