# Signor Vivalla — Struggles and Triumphs character guide

> Signor Vivalla in Struggles and Triumphs by P. T. Barnum.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Vivalla, Little Vivalla

**First appearance:** 0008-vi-my-first-travelling-company

## Snapshot

An Italian stilt-walker and plate-spinner rebranded by Barnum, whose Franklin Theater debut launches the showman's own first appearance on any stage.

## Who they are

Vivalla arrives from the Albany Museum as "Signor Antonio," a genuine performer of balancing feats whom Barnum renames and advertises into a sensation. Their partnership is the young showman's second step in the trade, and Vivalla's contest with the rival Roberts becomes an early lesson in manufacturing public excitement. He matters because his success—and Barnum's turn as supernumerary handing him his gun—marks the moment the future impresario steps behind the curtain.

## Relationships

### [Jenny Lind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/jenny_lind)

_professional_

Jenny Lind and Signor Vivalla are fellow performers in Barnum's entertainment roster, though in different acts.

### [Joe Pentland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/joe_pentland)

_professional_

Joe Pentland and Signor Vivalla are fellow performers in Barnum's variety shows, often sharing the stage.

### [Joe Pentland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/joe_pentland)

_professional_

Joe Pentland and Signor Vivalla are fellow performers in Barnum's variety shows, often sharing the stage.

### [Jenny Lind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/jenny_lind)

_professional_

Jenny Lind and Signor Vivalla are fellow performers in Barnum's entertainment roster, though in different acts.

## In the story

### [My Start as a Showman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/v-my-start-as-a-showman)

Italian performer engaged by Barnum; featured in balancing and stilt-walking acts, and in contests with Roberts.

### [My First Travelling Company](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/vi-my-first-travelling-company)

Performer in Barnum's company; laughs at the poor accommodations and later travels to New York and Cuba.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/signor_vivalla
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters