With daring acrobats and skilled musicians galore, ‘Afrique en Cirque’ is a celebration of diversity and dizzying fun wrapped up in one extraordinary show, and it’s coming to Riverside Theatre in Parramatta next month.
The show was created by Yamoussa Bangoura, who, after years of performing in some of the finest circus companies in the world, had big dreams of showcasing “how African people do circus”.
“I was touring for several big circuses combined, and I always felt like there was something missing in me,” he said.
“I wanted to create something with African flavour – like African music, African life – and so I created ‘Afrique en Cirque’.”
With the vast majority of the show’s artists being African, ‘Afrique en Cirque’ represents a smorgasbord of African culture. The show prides itself not only on its authenticity, but also on its entertainment value, providing audiences with a fusion of dance, music, singing and acrobatics.
“We have African costumes, African music – we have the Kora in the show, which is a really old instrument from West Africa,” he said.
“It’s all about people seeing how we do contortion back home in Africa, and how we tumble with percussion and with the dunun – a big instrument which is the heart of African music.”
Though the company is based in Montreal, with Yamoussa the artistic director of Kalabanté Productions, his primary aim is to develop young African circus talent and share it with the world.
Now in its fifth year, ‘Afrique en Circque’ has toured the globe, from Budapest to Canada. Now, they’re headed on their first trip down under for Sydney Festival, and Yamoussa couldn’t be more excited.
“This is our first time coming to Australia, which is really great,” he said.
“It’s kind of a dream going that far. We weren’t expecting to travel to Australia this year, less than a year after things opened back up. It’s crazy, and we can’t wait to be there.”
Yamoussa said that audience members will be enveloped in African culture, making you feel like you’re there.
“People are going to see a crazy African show, which will make them feel like they’re travelling to Africa,” he said.
“I would love to meet all kinds of people from there. They won’t regret seeing our show – they will be in love with Africa.”
‘Afrique en Cirque’ will be on at Riverside Theatre from Friday, January 6 to Sunday, January 15. Tickets start at $35 concession and $39 full price. For more information or to book, visit riversideparramatta.com.au.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.