Raffaele De Ritis, among the pioneers of circus creation by the late 1980s, wrote and directed shows for the world’s leading companies, including Disney, Cirque du Soleil, Dragone, Ringling bros., Big Apple Circus. Beside his main creative work, he directed major performing arts festivals and consulted for hundreds TV specials.

As a recognized historian, he authored seminal books and papers in seven languages, teaching and lecturing worldwide. His book of circus history “Storia del Circo”, in Italian, is considered the most extensive reference text by most international historians. Raffaele is also one of the authors of Circopedia project. He is custodian of an extensive private circus collection, with pieces dating from XVth century, and seated in the Performing Arts Council of Italy’s Ministry of Culture. www.raffaelederitis.com