Cirque Kalabanté – Afrique en Cirque: Pure Euphoria ~ Adelaide Fringe 2025 Review

[CIRCUS/Acrobatics ~ INTERNATIONAL] The Flamingo at Gluttony - Rymill Park, Sat 15 Mar, 2025. Unhindered by the 40°C forecast that threatened to melt the big top venue they were allocated, Cirque Kalabanté entered a beautiful first set with jubilance and energy to lift its sweaty audience out of thermal shock and into a joyous frenzy. The brainchild of choreographer, composer and gifted instrumentalist Yamoussa Bangoura, this show took us on a journey through the bustling markets and fishing villages of Africa via a tightly woven tapestry of high-octane traditional dance routines, circus mediums and beautifully authentic aesthetics. The musicality of the performance was intoxicating and Yamoussa’s mastery on the Kora and syrupy vocals transported the audience to the streets of West Africa where his ensemble performed gravity-defying acrobatics and incredible drumming routines. The costumes were dynamic but minimal – showcasing the extraordinary physique of the artists as they seamlessly somersaulted mid-air in rhythmic dance routines that had that the audience clapping for a large percentage of the show. A crowd favourite was the neck-breaking contortionist whose impossible carnal knots had us gasping and peeping through our fingers. The discomfort of watching the impossible twists and turns were offset by the fluidity of his choreography in harmony with the mesmerising Kora score. Another highlight was the sensuous, pulse-raising traditional dance routines of the performers on a Village People-inspired construction site – which was either a tongue-in-cheek wink to the Western world’s obsession with sexualising African dance, or a very valid flex on the elite physicality of its people. Cirque Kalabanté is a must-see event. Whether you’re a fan of music, dance, circus, storytelling or all of the above, Yamoussa’s incredible culturally immersive experience is a heaven-sent soundscape and a stunning sight to behold. Pure euphoria. 5 stars Louise Adele Cirque Kalabante continues at The Flamingo at Gluttony - Rymill Park, at various times, until Sun 23 Mar. Book at FringeTIX and adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ClotheslineMag #ADLfringe