CIRQUE AFRICA 2.0: See It To Believe It! – Adelaide Fringe Review

Cirque Africa Big Top, Hindmarsh Sq, Thu 1 Mar. [CIRCUS AND PHYSICAL THEATRE – TAN/ZIM/ETH] Papa Africa, the Ringmaster, is a livewire – playing up to the audience in a great way to get us all switched on, involved, and ready to clap, stomp our feet and yell encouragement to his entertainment troupe. He also conducts a great band of audience volunteers along the way. The rest of the troupe dance, drum and entertain us with tricks of balance, unicycle, gymnastics, hoops, etc – all performed brilliantly. I’d like to highlight two of the routines in particular – firstly a gym routine of the ‘light man’ balancing on the feet of the ‘strong man’ – twists turns, spins and continuous cycles of all of the above – clearly challenging, though one of the ‘tricks’ didn’t quite work first time and had to be repeated. These routines had to be seen to be believed. Speaking of which – the contortionists – a couple of hours later and I still don’t believe what I think my eyes saw! Seriously, the human body can’t do that! Can it? Evidently it can and it does (damn sure that mine won't!). A couple of the moves seemed to include both contortion and illusion – it was a ‘Chucky’ move, the head appearing to spin on the shoulders – seriously, it was amazing and my head hurts to contemplate what I saw. The show is full of energy, the smiles of the performers are contagious and an hour (surely that wasn't an hour – my watch must be fibbing) flew past. 5 stars Clayton Werner CIRQUE AFRICA 2.0 continues at Cirque Africa Big Top, Hindmarsh Sq, at various times, until Tue 3 Apr. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe