In the early fall of 1885, P.T. Barnum’s Greatest Show on Earth toured southwestern Ontario, playing to sold-out crowds. On the bill, along with the snake charmer, the tightrope walkers, the contortionist, and the bearded lady, were 28 elephants, led by the world-renowned Jumbo. Between their stops in Guelph and London, the circus crews were packing up, and unscheduled freight train came hurtling down the track and ended the life of the most famous pachyderm in the world. A cast of larger-than-life characters brings the last performance of the legendary Jumbo to life.
About the Author
Sean Dixon is a playwright, novelist, and banjoist. His plays include Orphan Song, Jumbo, The Orange Dot, The Wilberforce Hotel, A God in Need of Help, FRANCE — or The Niqab, Right Robert & His Robber Bride, The Gift of the Coat, Lost Heir, The Girls Who Saw Everything, Aerwacol, Billy Nuthin’, The Epic Period, Sam’s Last Dance, The Painting, District of Centuries, and Falling Back Home. Sean lives in Toronto with his wife, the multi-award-winning documentary maker Katerina Cizek, and a six-year old daughter whose brilliant, funny, stubborn character permeates his current work.
