About me: Farewell, Ottavio R.I.P
Ottavio Canestrelli was born and raised in the circus he started performing at the tender age of 4 with his brothers; soon Ottavio became the Star performer in his family's teeter-board act. He also had a hilarious comedy "Knock-about" act with his twin brother. After many years of traveling and performing throughout the US, Canada and Mexico the Pietro Camastrelli Family (as they were called) entered adulthood. As a result they went there separate ways. Ottavio perused a career in acting and earned a degree in theater. But he found himself yearning for the physicality of the Circus. Thus, returned with new skills as a solo artist. Recreating himself as a physical Comedian of yesteryear such a Buster Keaton
his skills are:
Ladder Act
German Wheel
Juggling
Comedy Chair Act
Teeter-board
Solo Trapeze
and countless others
**************Here are some articles about Ottavio:
*http://www.centerstagechicago.com/theatre/articles/ottavio-canestrelli.html
*http://www.arts.illinois.gov/ArtistRoster/ProfileView.aspx?rid=1&pid=5846&ref=search
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There are still so many moments that remind me of Ottavio and I think about him with lots of love and fond memories. I am so sad that he wasn't able... It is truly a tragedy...
Below is a link for the photo album with video that my boyfriend took at Ottavio's memorial service in Chicago for those who are interested in viewing. Feel free to pass this link on.
On Tuesday I will be performing the same gig Ottavio and I did a year ago together. It was the first time I got to hire him as an entertainer. He had a confidence about him that was fascinating but a sadness that palpitated.
I just wanted to say that the memorial in Chicago yesterday was very touching. I want thank everyone who shared their stories/memories with everyone. It was a very humbling experience to hear how many lives he has such an impact on. We are grateful for his extraordinary talents he performed and for some shared his skills with. Also another thank you to all who performed last night to pay tribute to Ottavio, because as we know the show must go on, but the memory of him will always be in our hearts.
I miss you Ottavio... I miss the good times, I miss the adventures... I miss the friendship we had... I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for you!
I remember when I was a kid, going to Sea World almost everyday during the summer and on weekends to see the City Streets show. I was privileged to get to know the Canestrelli family very well. I remember Ottavio always played foursquare with the cast of City Streets. He was always the one to start water balloon fights too. One day his brother, Ricardo, gave me some water balloons and he pushed me in my wheelchair all around the City Streets set until we found Ottavio and then we started pelting each other with water balloons - it was great fun. Ottavio was a great performer who I could tell loved to entertain and make people laugh. Even though I have not seen Ottavio since the City Streets show ended, I was privileged to get to know him and his family during the shows ten year run at Sea World. I was deeply saddened when I read of his passing.
This is a ladder A ladder to climb up And a ladder to get down You feel high When you are up on the ladder You touch the ground When you are down off the ladder One might fear the fall When on top of the ladder One might dream of the top When on the ground before the ladder Who are we? Without this ladder.
One man said, "Seems man is never at ease with himself, if on top there's a fall, if on the ground there's a dream....but that is life. We are all climbing a ladder."
Ottavio wasn't afraid of the fall. It came in the form of an amazing back flip. Keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
I just wanted to post this picture I took of Ottavio on 1/3/08. he picked these 2 cocoanuts him self from a palm tree 30' up, he then spent almost 30 minutes trying to open them. He was a great guy and I am very glad I got the chance to get to know him and see his show in the few weeks we were in Cancun together. He will be missed.
