A night of fun, wonder and mystery, Afrique en Cirque feels right at home with the rest of the summer festivities in Southbank. The vibrant demonstration of culture, energy and acrobatics pays tribute to Africa through its costumes, staging, instruments and music.
You might wonder how a small stage can accommodate the whole circus performance. But the 90-minute runtime is sectioned into different thematic displays, from gravity-defying stunts, juggling, contortionism, a musical showcase and audience participation. The everyday simplicity of life, from the bustling of street markets, being one with nature when fishing to the friendships formed in construction work, are linked into the production. The wonder of it all is wrapped up in the charm of the performers who’s bright and smiling faces can’t help but draw viewers in and lift their spirits.
The performance starts slowly which opens the audience up to hypnotic jazz and funk music as the ringmaster introduces them to the journey they are about to experience. As the show begins to pick up the pace, so does the atmosphere in the room. It gives the audience a chance to be more responsive when the element of audience participation comes around. The ringmaster encourages everyone to clap along with the beat. The sense of community between the performers and the audience is what gives a sense of community.
The stage is simple but effective with the colours of purple, blue and red lighting which gives an eerie and mysterious feeling – but it pairs well with the music. Cloths and shadows enhances the presence of the instrumentalists that remind the audience that they are part of the performance, just like the performers. The sounds of insects and water magically and instantly transport you from the theatre to the African wild.
However through its beauty, Afrique en Cirque is a commentary of alienation and the other. These details create self-awareness to the performers and the viewers and prevents it from just being about ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhhs’. It wants the audience to think. A brilliant treat, Afrique en Cirque is not to be missed this summer!
By Nura Arooj
