Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — After an eight-year hiatus, the Magic Circus of Samoa is set to dazzle audiences in American Samoa once again starting this Thursday!

Kicking off the first leg of their latest world tour, the best live show in the Pacific promises to once again enchant people of all ages and backgrounds with their spectacular performances.

This time, however, is a ‘must-see’ opportunity because it marks the final déjà vu performance. It will be the last time the circus performs under the guidance and leadership of the charismatic owner and ringleader, Tupa’i Bruno Royale.

Known for starting his shows by blowing a whistle, Tupa'i has captivated audiences around the globe with his unique blend of traditional circus acts and cultural performances.

Samoa News caught up with Tupa’i at the site where their tents are set up next to the Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna. He revealed that they have an “all-new” show that will highlight the talents of a young Samoan troupe, alongside experienced performers from far-off places like Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia.

"I want to retire with a bang, and the people of American Samoa are in for a treat for the next three to four weeks," Tupa'i declared. “We have some top-notch acts lined up that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Plus, I’ve slashed ticket prices to the lowest possible amount so that everyone can enjoy the shows with their kids and families.

"We have the thrilling Big Globe of Death with five motorcycles roaring inside at once, the daring Wheel of Death from Colombia, the breathtaking Brazilian High Wire Trapeze act, the mesmerizing Mexican Juggling act, and the suspense-filled Blindfold Knife-throwing act, all mixed with the amazing talent of up-and-coming Samoan performers that will be guaranteed thrillers.

"This show holds a special place in my heart as it marks my retirement after this tour. The circus has been my entire life, and it has been a thrilling and fulfilling journey. However, there were also many challenges, particularly the preparation and logistics involved in moving the troupe and equipment from one country to another.

"While it’s bittersweet to retire at the end this tour, I need to prioritize my well-being. It’s time for me to relax, have some fun, and enjoy life. I also want to travel and visit my friends and relatives around the world while I still can.”

Tupa'i’s promotion of Samoa in the Pacific region and beyond through the circus arts, along with his efforts to provide young Samoan men and women opportunities to pursue careers in circus entertainment, have made him a beloved and trusted figure in the independent state.

With his imminent retirement approaching, Tupa’i has no worries about the future of the Magic Circus of Samoa. He is confidently leaving it in the capable hands of his 21-year-old adopted son, Bruno Loyale, Jr., whom he has lovingly raised since birth and has given him three adorable grandchildren.

Bruno Loyale was born into a family with a rich circus heritage which naturally led him to the world of circus entertainment. His father was of French Romani descent and his mother was of Italian Romani descent.

The Romani, often referred to as Gypsies in English, are an ethnic group of Indo-Aryan origin known for their traditional nomadic, itinerant lifestyle. They are believed to have arrived in Europe around the 13th to 14th century.

Bruno's parents were performers in the world-renowned Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, often called "The Greatest Show on Earth." From a young age, Bruno was captivated by the magic and excitement of the circus, and he began performing at a very early age. His passion for the circus arts grew as he traveled with his family and performed around the world, learning various skills and acts.

Tragically, the circus suffered a devastating fire, prompting the family to relocate to Puerto Rico. There, Bruno’s father established a new family circus, naming it Circus Loyale. They performed across many Caribbean islands, captivating audiences with their acts. However, following his father’s untimely death, the then 14-year-old Bruno took over the family circus, renaming it Circus Bruno.

He spent the rest of his teenage years touring Europe and eventually visited Hawaii. There, he first learned about the many islands scattered across the vast Pacific Ocean. In Hawaii, he met people from these islands and discovered that they had never experienced a circus in their countries.

“I went to the library and researched the Pacific region and its various island nations and territories,” he recalled. “I thought to myself, this is very intriguing, and an idea started to form in my mind.”

So, he returned to Texas, where he had been performing while simultaneously running a tent manufacturing company. After selling his business, he bought a ship, loaded his circus onto it, and sailed back to the Pacific, heading for Guam. There, he made his Pacific circus debut.

Just as he had anticipated, it was a resounding success. Greatly encouraged, he first traveled by plane to the islands of Micronesia where he intended to perform, to check out the logistics of setting up shop there and negotiate entry requirements with local authorities.

He did the same for Melanesia before venturing into the Polynesian islands of the South Pacific. Having toured the Caribbean islands on several occasions, it went smoothly.

"During that time I came to Samoa," he said. "It was so different from all the islands I had visited. The island scenery was similar to other places but it was the friendliness of the people that struck me. They genuinely cared for you and they would go out of their way to make you feel at home.

"I'll never forget it. When I got off that plane at Faleolo, I saw a strikingly beautiful place not only in the physical sense but also in the people's demeanor and respectful attitude. I told myself, this is where I want to be. This is where I want to hang up my hat."

As it turned out, everything started to happen in his favor.

By a stroke of luck, he met and formed a close friendship with the then Prime Minister, Honorable Tofilau Eti Alesana. The Prime Minister invited him to his home in Lalomalava village on the big island of Savaii, where he was introduced to the village chiefs and residents.

He enthusiastically immersed himself in the culture of his adopted country by receiving a full tatau, or traditional tattoo.

When Cyclone Ofa struck in 1990, Bruno spent a substantial amount of money and resources to help the village recover. In recognition of his efforts, the village honored him with the high chiefly title of Tupa’i.

He reciprocated by renaming his circus, The Magic Circus of Samoa and instead of bringing in performers from other countries, he began training young Samoan men and women in the art of circus entertainment.

Over the years, The Magic Circus of Samoa has traveled extensively throughout the Pacific region, becoming a household name, and has also performed across the globe.

“We have performed in most of the Pacific islands, including small island nations and territories like Tuvalu, Kiribati, Wallis & Futuna, the Marshall Islands including Ebeye, one of the main islands of Kwajalein Atoll comprising of only 80 acres, and the entire Federated States of Micronesia, including Ulithi, which consists of 40 islets totaling 4.5 kilometers,” he revealed.

“Most people in Samoa don’t even know where Ulithi or Ebeye atolls are! We have toured Europe many times, the Caribbean islands as well as India and the islands in the Indian Ocean like Mauritius, Seychelles, Réunion, and the Maldives, which many haven't even heard of before!”

Tupa’i mentioned that they are very popular in French colonies or islands that were under French rule, not only in the Pacific but also in other parts of the world, such as the Indian Ocean.

He likened their popularity among the people of these islands to a cult following and stated that they received many attractive concessions from their governments.

In Samoa during the post-COVID period, they performed for free in rural villages in both Upolu and Savaii after their plans to tour overseas were disrupted by the pandemic. This initiative helped bring joy and entertainment to communities during a challenging time.

Reflecting on his career, he expressed deep gratitude to God for the opportunities he had been given. He felt blessed to have been able to promote his adopted country and provide young people with the training needed to find employment in the industry overseas, thereby helping their families financially.

"I also feel super blessed for the chance to put smiles on people’s faces and help them forget their problems for two and a half hours,” said Tupa’i.

Tupa'i Bruno Loyale, the charismatic ringleader of The Magic of Samoa and his son, Bruno Loyale, Jr. on location next to the Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau]

“Our performers are professionals who understand their obligation to deliver top-notch performances, and they do so with a genuine love for their craft. It's such a beautiful thing to know that you have touched their hearts in a way, you made people happy."

"I'm happy to inform our aiga, friends and fans that when you enter our new Italian tent, you will walk on a wooden floor to your seat and enjoy the show for the first time ever, in air-conditioned comfort. I'd also like to acknowledge with thanks the many individuals and institutions that helped with all the red tape.

"Faafetai, faafetai lava to Governor Lemanu and Lt. Governor La'apui, AG Fainu'ulelei and the Immigration section, my old friend for many years Pulu Ae Ae, Jr. who's always been there for me, Leone Peter Reid III, Rodney Jenkins and Reid Stevedoring who have gone out their way to help us, ASTCA, Samoa Shipping Corporation, Mrs. Ta'aloga Drabble and Sadies and everybody who helped."