The circus in Hanoi is funded by the government and performs daily in a concrete tent. Circus is a flamboyant nationalist spectacle with perhaps the least intellectual and political of natures. The performers are highly skilled professionals. It’s their job. It’s a confidence trick of daring and agility. The Strongman tamed his wild pythons by sharing his bed with them. Even when the city was starving he told us, we could give them some happiness.