Illusionist, People's Artist of the RSFSR Emil Kio. Biography

Emil Kio is a Soviet illusionist, People's Artist of the RSFSR, a prominent representative of Russian circus culture, known not only as a talented illusionist, but also as a popularizer of circus art, who left an unforgettable mark in the history of the Russian and world circus.

Childhood and youth

Emil Kio (born Emil Emilievich Renard-Kio) was born on July 12, 1938 in Ordzhonikidze (now Vladikavkaz) in the family of circus performer and illusionist Emil Kio and Soviet theater actress Kosherkhan Borukayeva. He also had a younger brother, Igor.

As a child, Emil showed interest in this art, but he did not immediately appear on stage. Until 1955, he studied at secondary school No. 16 in Moscow. Then he entered the Moscow Civil Engineering Institute, where he studied from 1955 to 1960 as an urban engineer.

His graduation project, dedicated to the reconstruction of the Theater Square in Ryazan, won the competition. As a result, the reconstruction of the square was carried out. For his success in the competition, Emil Kio was awarded the medal "For the best scientific student work of the USSR." After graduation, Emil worked as a foreman at the embankment and bridge construction trust.

Career

In 1961, Kio began working at the circus as an assistant at his father's attraction. Soon he became an artist of the All-Union Creative and Production Association of the Soyuzgoscirk State Circuses. Kio independently developed a new circus act in which the magician used a soft rope that turned into a solid pole for the gymnast. This number brought him fame and became the basis for further performances.

In 1966, Kio created its own illusion attraction, which was popular not only in the Soviet Union, but also abroad. He has toured in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Mexico, Switzerland, Japan, Cuba, France, Sweden, Norway, South America and the USA. The illusionist held 14 thousand performances, which were attended by more than 60 million viewers. After his father's death, Kio continued to work in the circus, collaborating with his brother Igor, who was also a circus performer.

From 1976 to 1992, Kio led the column "Beyond the focus" in the magazine "Young Technician", where he shared the secrets of 186 tricks, teaching the younger generation of illusionists.

Awards and titles

Emile Kio has been awarded numerous awards for his achievements in the field of circus art. In 1969, he received the title of Honored Artist of the North Ossetian ASSR for outstanding achievements in theatrical art, and 12 years later, in 1977, he became an Honored Artist of the RSFSR. In 1990, he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the RSFSR for his great achievements in the development of Soviet circus art.

Kio also received the Order of Friendship (1994) for services to the people related to the development of Russian statehood, culture, science and strengthening friendship between peoples, and a certificate of honor from the Government of the Russian Federation (1998) for his personal contribution to the development of Russian circus art and many years of hard work.

Edgard Zapashny, General Director of the Bolshoi Moscow Circus, announced the death of Emil Kio on December 30. The illusionist died at the age of 87.