Cirque of delightful surprises and fun
THERE is a fair amount of magic and quite a lot of fun that goes on under the big top at the Enchanted Cirque.
This, given the fact there appeared to be consensus at our table and others close by that the in-between acts by clown Riky Pokus were a tad tedious and that EmCee Mel Jones, who is generally so entertaining and funny, didn’t quite live up to expectations – with over-the-top ribaldry and raunchiness – not that one comes to the circus with the intention of being easily offended.
Now that this detraction is out of the way, to begin at the beginning:
The circus comes packaged in a splendid mirrored “Spiegel” tent, imported from Belgium, in which the light that’s projected, catches the pieces of glass and refracts some beautifully coloured patterns, all adding to the atmosphere in which, amid much fanfare, the show opens with a song and dance number that introduces the team who keep the audience entertained.
Included are international and local stars who perform to foot-tapping contemporary beats as well as some of the old favourites.
From Australia comes the talented Tom McKinnon who performs a swing act, soaring gracefully across the tent and doing some fancy footwork as he twists himself in and out of a thick rope; later on he puts on a suggestively camp hoop act in which he twirls his sleek body to catch his hoop in some seductive poses, much to the delight of the onlookers.
Undoubtedly, some of the most eye-catching and pleasing set of acts are those performed by strength duo AquaTerra: Leda Wight and Jenny le Roux, who effortlessly wrapped themselves and lithely moved up and down a a twirled curtain and a pole, gliding up and down almost as human serpents, climbing in-between and atop each other and holding each other in what seemed like an almost superhuman effort.
To the rhythm of some sultry beats, some of their moves proved quite jaw-dropping as they moved in what only be described as remarkable synchronicity, where timing and teamwork are of the essence.
Knife-throwing acts are a common sight in circuses and the crowd certainly held their breath for the mesmerising act by Russian duo Andrei Gomunov and assistant Daria Sheremet, who appeared rather unfazed as knives were hurled by the long-haired, muscled Gomunov landed ever-closer to her body. As the act grew increasingly more daring, the sharp instruments were set alight and flung with greater speed, creating gasps of amazement from the engrossed audience.
But if there is one act that could be singled out for its enchantment and flair, it has to be that of bubble man Thomas Favaro. The Italian Favaro is a “bubble master”, having trained for more than a decade to hone his skills in the art of creating magic in the simple act of blowing bubbles created from a soapy substance.
As much a magician in his own art as a showman, Favaro created an act that was so charming and seemingly childlike yet sophisticated that it was a delight to watch as he blew bubbles out of a giant ring, punched them to form a cascade of smaller bubbles, put his hands into giant formations and “sliced” them to masterfully make a series of ethereally beautiful shapes that gently wafted across the stage.
It begs the question: are the best things in life elusive and temporal?
Masterminds behind the show are Sebastian Cassie and Michael Carrigan, who after having been involved in some of Australia’s circus shows, musical theatre and stage productions, decided to set up house in South Africa.
The concept is a good one as audiences increasingly seek distraction from our current troubled political landscape and, with drinks and snacks served (separate to the ticket price) it has much potential. But it may be an idea to cut down on the lengthy in-between commentary and below-the-belt raunchiness and dazzle more with the showmanship of the circus acts.
Enchanted runs until mid-October in Green Point, next to the Cape Town Stadium behind McDonald’s. Performances are Wednesday to Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 3pm and 8pm and Sunday at 5pm. Tickets cost from R250 for access to the cirque theatre show and the after party. For information about group offers, discounts and children’s shows with Thomas Favaro the bubble master, call 074 422 2888 or see www. EnchantedCirque.com.
Full bar service and snacks available. PG16.