Zazel: Lady Cannonball (5 photos)

Women are by nature much more cautious creatures compared to representatives of the stronger half. And they prefer not to get involved in any risky adventures unnecessarily. But this lady did not know the feeling of fear and danger.





After all, she became a pioneer in one very specific and dangerous direction.



On April 2, 1877, English-born Rose Matilda Richter performed the spectacular finale of her aerial performance at a newly built entertainment venue in Westminster called the Royal Aquarium. The 16-year-old acrobat, who performs under the pseudonym Zazel, descended into the depths of a metal cylindrical pipe and, with strong acceleration, flew 70 feet (about 20.3 meters) into the air above the heads of astonished spectators. An explosion and a plume of smoke announced that young Rosa "Zazel" Richter had become the first human core.

By the time Zazel reached this rank, she was already an accomplished circus performer: she walked on a tightrope and performed under a big top as an aerialist. The girl performed from the age of 12 and became famous for her fragility, grace and graceful but strong physique. One of the writers of the time even stated that “her perfect figure requires repeated viewing.”





Zazel was a student of the eminent Canadian tightrope walker William Leonard Hunt, known as the Great Farini. Farini, most famous for his tightrope walk over Niagara Falls, developed a system that spectacularly carried Zazel through the air. In 1871, he invented and patented a mechanism for launching people through the air into a protective net.

The very structure of the so-called cannon was equal parts illusion and fact. The explosion was only a visual enhancing effect of the audience's impressions, since in fact the device was driven by springs. However, the act, which included flight, noise, smoke and nerve-wracking thrills, was a resounding success and captured the imagination of audiences around the world.



At the height of her popularity, Zazel was earning £200 a week and performing to crowds in excess of 20,000 every day in England and the US.

The ancient live cannonball act was the most dangerous of all the air acts. The danger was due to the fact that the performer had much less control over his trajectory and movement. The average acrobat relied on his strength and training. But when it came to a person flying out of a chimney, you had to rely on math and luck.

Over time, this method of propulsion showed its unreliability. Modern artists use compressed air in their guns.

Although many followed in her footsteps, it was the brave and daring young Zazel who became the first human cannonball. And, accordingly, like any pioneer, the level of danger to which she exposed herself was as high as possible.



Richter gave her final performance in New Mexico while touring the United States with the Adam Forepaugh Circus. During this process, the platform on which the artist stood fell, and Zazel was thrown straight to the ground beyond the safety net.

Richter broke her spine. Fortunately, she received immediate medical attention. But the woman had to spend several months shackled in plaster. Of course, there was no talk of returning to the profession after such an injury. And Richter retired.

Wonder Woman died in 1937 in Peckham (South London). Since there were no official publications about her death, the general public did not learn about the death of the fearless and daring gymnast.