Kio, Emilteodorovich

(pseudonym; real surname, Renard). Born Mar. 30 (Apr. 11), 1894, in Moscow; died Dec. 19, 1965, in Kiev (buried in Moscow). Soviet circus artist and magician; People’s Artist of the RSFSR (1958).

In 1917, Kio appeared in stage sketches, later transferring to the A. Cinizelli circus in Poland. He returned to Russia in the early 1920’s and performed as a side-show magician. In 1932 he became one of the first performers to stage magic tricks in the actual circus arena. Kio made use of ballet, acting and audience participation in his performances. He introduced topical subjects and satire into certain of his acts, and he created and modernized a number of tricks that were later used by other magicians.

Kio worked chiefly with the director A. G. Arnol’d and toured abroad in Rumania, Great Britain, Denmark, and Japan. He was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor and several medals.

Kio’s sons are also circus performers. Emil’ Emil’evich Kio was born July 12, 1938. He is an Honored Artist of the North Ossetiia ASSR (1969). In 1966 he started his own magic show. Igor’ Emil’evich Kio was born Mar. 13, 1944. In 1959 he became his father’s assistant and understudy, and in 1966 he took over his father’s act.