I have been missing the excitement and colours of Africa since coming home from my recent trip. So imagine my delight upon receiving my invitation to see Cirque Africa right here in Brisbane. The critically acclaimed Cirque Africa is a jaw dropping explosion of colour, rhythm and a joyous celebration of African culture. Performers from diverse African countries such as Tanzania, The Ivory Coast, Kenya and Zimbabwe show off their acrobatic skills, entertain with African dancing and music and amaze with their skill using hula hoops, unicycle riding and performing great feats of balance. The opening night crowd were left gasping out loud watching Cirque Africa’s daring stunts and performers had us laugh with their clowning around.
About Cirque Africa
Winston Ruddle (Papa Africa) has brought to Australia a show like no other. Starring 22 performers from six diverse African countries – Cirque Africa has been touring Australia for more than two years to critical acclaim. Last stop on the tour is right here in Brisbane where it will call the Roundhouse Theatre at Kelvin Grove home for the next two weeks.
The diverse acts seem to defy the limits of the human body from the petite Zaina Shabani who juggles bowls and even a table with her feet to Juma Baraka who shows off his skills riding a range of unicycles and Yetnayet who will test your eyes with her amazing hula hoop skills.
A highlight for me was watching the strength and agility of the supremely fit Hakuna Matata acrobats- they build a ten person human pyramid and bring a new meaning to the term pole dancing.
The live band playing original music composed just for Cirque Africa gives the whole spectacle a concert feel and the amazing African rhythms transport audiences to the joyous, positive and happy side of Africa. This high energy show will delight and amaze adults and children alike.
Performers
Many of the performers come from Papa Africa’s circus school in Dar es Salaam. Papa Africa explains , “ Teens train for a minimum of two years before becoming part of Cirque Africa or being headhunted by circus troupes around the world. Standout performers strongmen Omary and Fadhili Ramadhani ( who are neighbours rather than brothers) were originally considered troublemakers before being recruited by Cirque Africa.” Now the pair balance head to head showing amazing strength and trust in one another.
Ibrahim was a real highlight as well showing off elaborate balancing feats in Rolla Rolla. We held our breath for we were certain he would fall as he added more and more elaborate props to his balancing beam.
Jean Marc’s traditional dancing and costume were a delight to watch and Emmanuel’s dish spinning in rhythm to the African beat was faultless. How many dishes can one person keep in the air ?
Cirque Africa won five stars at the year’s Adelaide Fringe Festival and is FUN with a capital F. This highly visual show will take your breath away and challenge your imagination with its feats of strength and flexibility. Cirque Africa is only here for two weeks from October 24 to November 4 before the troupe goes back to Africa.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
