Known for his huge, geometrical mobiles — abstractions hanging and spinning in space — sculptor Alexander Calder started as a child by making toys. As an adult, among the radical artists of 1920’s Paris, he crafted a metal menagerie of acrobats, ringmasters, lions and lion tamers. He even made stretcher-bearers in case someone got hurt. Calder would put on performances with the figures, doing all the voices himself and roaring like a lion. Jonathan Mitchell wondered what makes a grown man live out his circus dream.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!