<p>The circus demonstrates the extraordinary, exceptional capabilities of a person - tightrope walker, equilibrist, trainer of predatory animals, etc. From the spectacular arts of Sri Lanka, theatrical <em>demonic</em> rituals in masks are famous, now also the<em> Kolam</em> mask theater and the puppet theater close to it in spirit and forms. The demonic theater is a religious, ritual performance associated with the traditions of Sinhalese folk medicine: it is part of a certain cult with its own priest and special practice. Some unusual abilities are required from the dancers. All these types of performances are ritual, ceremonial, and not just entertaining enterprises. They are held in certain seasons and are timed to coincide with specific holidays. Their common meaning is the renewal of being, the harmonization of a person and a living space, that is, <em>magical</em>. Competitions were perceived, where the highest, amazing human capabilities were manifested. The circus in Sri Lanka is mostly visiting, with the exception of the Dehiwala elephant circus; sports are varied, including those borrowed from Western culture. Chariot competitions, wrestling, and cockfights were common among sports spectacles in Lanka. These magical performances were valued in the upper strata of society: images of the athletes’ combat decorate the palaces (cf. episodes from the life of King Rajasinha II, etc.). The ancient circus traditions, already in the field of fine arts, turned out to be captured in an interesting way: in a set of ornamental compositions, drawings of animals and objects made up of acrobatic positions of people (in a certain number - 5, 7, 9) are found (an elephant, a jug, a chariot, etc.).Such patterns are located on temple curtains (ritual objects); the figures of the compositions themselves are favorably magical. The circus could only be a powerful magical tool, perhaps also to maintain royal power.</p>
