A jubilant gala of African culture, Cirque Mother Africa really does live up to its claim ‘Circus of the Senses’.
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Cirque Mother Africa is a high energy show which had the audience enthralled from start to finish. The joy and energy the performers exuded was infectious. I think I shed a tear during the opening sequence because I was just so damn happy!
There was nothing boring or low-key about this production. When Bizimana Emmanuel Ntavyo sang solo whilst playing the Kora (a traditional African harp encased in a steel drum), the mood was peaceful and reflective, giving just enough breather for the party to come. The high voltage dancing made Zumba look like a walk in the park. Even the vigorous drumming was a gym work out; I was exhausted just watching.
There were many highlights including two strongmen whose human balancing act was astounding, especially when one balanced the other on his head. Another balancing duo, this time with a small boy being flipped and twirled in the air, was terrifyingly spell-binding.
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The performers wore vibrant African influenced costumes in bold, colourful prints. The lively band, with its driving rhythms and beats, included brass, keyboard, guitar, and a host of various western and traditional African drums. Set among huge cut-out wildlife, it was great to see the band onstage as part of the festivities. Adding to the visual spectacular, a large projected screen on the back wall displayed African wildlife, faces, and places. Even the theatre wings were leopard and zebra printed drapes.
Cirque Mother Africa is a joyous celebration of African culture and is highly recommended for a feel-good night of family entertainment.
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Enjoyed the show
... Up until the point where the clown was far far too rough with a young boy selected from the crowd, a young boy wearing a mask. He was pulled and led from his seat to the stage by the clown pulling on his arm, far too rough for my liking. I spoke with other people after the show and they agreed that the main clown man was far too rough and that something wasn't right about it all.
That aside, the performance by all the other people on stage was amazing.
Not sure if he was drunk or angry but somebody needs to tell him to be more gentle and preferably don't select any of the 1% that had a mask.
It was unfortunate that it happened as the rest of the night was great.
The show was touted as an African ":Cirque du Soleil" . It is NOTHING LIKE "Cirque du Soleil"! However, expectations aside, the show's acrobatics and circus acts were incredible, standing alongside the colourful costumes and (too-loud) music, to show a wonderful exhibition of African colour, culture and music.