“A Triumphant Celebration of Circus, Dance and Music”
The most immediately noticeable thing in this show is the unrelenting energy of the cast. Yamoussa Bangoura directs this circus group of talented performers, drawing inspiration from life in Guinea. It is packed with impressive performances to make you laugh, gasp or just watch in total awe.
The show brings a range of African instruments to us, and features some incredible musical moments. The Seckou Keita backs a lot of these songs along with a variety of drums and a bass guitar. These instruments mix together to create infectious beats that form the backdrop to the show. The musicians are incredibly skilled and rhythmically excellent, never hitting a duff note. It is a worthy addition to this circus and only adds to the spectacle of the show. Alongside these are some intense dance sequences. Each of the performers bring passion and high intensity to these pieces. The audience almost wants to join in, and indeed does at point. We begin clapping, cheering and singing as we sit and watch the acrobatic, dexterous dance. The dance and music allows Afrique en Cirque to bring elements of African culture to its audience, which is a joyful part of the circus experience, and one that it is hard to not be enthusiastic about.
This group of performers are simply amazing. They bring life to the show from the very opening and seem to be tireless. Whether dancing, singing or showcasing their circus ability, it is always done at full throttle. The circus acts are impressive, with each one having strength, assuredness and ability in spades. They come together and clearly have a tight bond whether flying, flipping or juggling together. Everything is done to perfection throughout.
A special shout needs to be given to the contortionist of the group. He manages to make himself boneless. When he starts his solo piece, he manages to make the muscles seemingly disappear from his stomach, and then moves each part of his body independently from the other. It is almost scary to watch, but totally awesome and inspiring at the same time. Between this we are treated to some amazing juggling, lots of jumps and flips and a man who has the neck strength to hold someone up without anything else.
It is an amazing production. Every element mixes together into a show that celebrates the troupe’s culture, while entertaining us to great effect. A wonderful circus to catch at this year’s Fringe.
Afrique En Cirque runs 6th – 30th August (Not 12th, 17th, 24th) at 12.30. Tickets are available here.