LOVE LETTERS TO TANZANIA: From Dar to touring the world: Cirque Africa

I am a great fan of Cirque du Soleil, the renowned live spectacle turning artistic entertainment into fabulous performances praised by audiences around the world.  The outfit, now an international business, tours the globe and runs permanent shows in Las Vegas.  The Cirque du Soleil brand name is recognised internationally.

At the exorbitant prices this famous business can afford to charge, I rarely treat myself to their shows. Although ridiculously expensive, it is nevertheless always a worthwhile indulgence.  Spectators remember the mind-dazzlingly colourful performances long after they stop defending the expense.

When I saw Cirque Africa promise a similar sort of performance in Australia, I spontaneously bought two tickets and hoped for the best.  Despite operating on a much smaller budget, the Cirque Africa ensemble nevertheless did not disappoint.  Their show exceeded all expectations, taking our breath away.  Artistic performances, street-art style, combining incredible talent, elaborate colourful costumes, clever stage designs and talented live musicians, delivered a high-energy evening we still remember vividly months later. 

Their performance was not a cheaper version of the abovementioned business.  Cirque Africa’s extravaganza was a choreographic masterpiece, delivering unique African acts, some of which topped anything we had ever seen before. I will not even attempt to describe how a typical, already mind-blowing, acrobatic stunt can be taken even further, into “how can this be possible?” territory.  It is fair to say that some of the acts simply defied description. 

Obviously, endless hours of practice had been required for acrobats and artists to achieve a level of performance which left us in awe of their talent and professionalism. Could anyone really be this fit, this skilled, this… contorted?

In a show authentically African, the artists wowed their audience with a passion and joie de vivre unparalleled. Vibrant costumes and makeup contributed to the general party atmosphere and sense of fun, making the impossible look effortless. The African dance elements and the magnificent eight piece orchestra with musicians from Zanzibar and Zimbabwe added to the excitement and exuberance which you need to experience to believe.

Cirque Africa will continue to tour Australia for about two years, using a big top tent, the perfect venue for their art.  I am planning on catching at least one more of their shows, either in Australia or maybe where it all began: in Tanzania.

When in 2003, a little known acrobatic school without sponsors or government funding started in Dar es Salaam, few would have thought that the gifted performers working tirelessly to improve their skills would end up touring in far corners of the world as a troupe known as Cirque Africa.  The circus, founded by Winston Ruddle, who is also the producer and director, consists of outstanding artists who have come far since their humble beginnings in Dar.

As the Cirque Africa press booklet explains, the most skilful artists from Winston Ruddle’s acrobatic school in Magomeni have given performances on five continents, overseas also known as members of Circus Mama Africa. Conditions at the school have always been very basic and the training hard, rewarded with a plate of food and a drink of water. Despite Tanzania being a nation of many talented acrobats, such schools just do not easily attract funding from either private sponsors or the government.

When mobile phone service company Tigo title-sponsored Circus Mama Africa in 2012, Dar es Salaam residents were finally able to see some of their country’s finest artists, who had already enjoyed great success abroad.  In Tanzania, there is still some prejudice towards certain types of performances, such as those of female contortionists, which is a pity, considering the admiration their skill and hard work attract overseas.  The most talented can make a very good living abroad, and one would hope that as talents in traditionally spurned areas of the arts are becoming more respected at home, they will also be able to earn well in Tanzania.

Citizens of Dar, make sure you do not miss Circus Mama Africa when the ensemble next comes to town.  Despite being far from the traditional perception of entrepreneurship, offering less conventional abilities, these performers are great ambassadors for Tanzania.

The author is a freelance writer, currently working in Australia as a program leader in education and expert teacher