From Africa to Geraldton: astounding feats to meet hypnotic live music as Cirque Mother Africa comes to town

A troupe of acrobats and musicians bringing African gymnastics and live music to crowds across the world will be delivering the energy in Queens Park Theatre next month. Cirque Mother Africa is performing throughout Western Australia, following shows on Broadway, delivering a 90-minute show they describe as “100 per cent African, 100 per cent energy and 100 per cent family fun”. The show features human pyramids, chair acrobatics, foot juggling, contortion, pan spinning, tumbling and more from a group of 23 performers from nine countries including Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania, accompanied by traditional African singing and dance. Writing for The West Australian, critic Varnya Bromilow described Cirque Mother Africa as an “intoxicating” and thrilling experience. “From the first leaping body in the opening minutes of the show, the action never let up,” she wrote. “Wearing a variety of boldly patterned costumes, bodies were flung, contorted, thrown and caught in all manner of precarious poses.” There’s no clowns at this circus, but it does boast accomplished and experienced gymnasts from the prestigious Hakuna Matata School of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Acrobat Bernard Reuben Lungwa has performed for more than 20 years as a circus performer. “Being on stage was a dream for me when I was a kid,” Lungwa said. “I got the chance to be in front of people, to make them happy, cheer them up, make them amazed, its something I’ve always looked for.” Lungwa said what set his troupe’s show from others was that they kept things natural. No ropes, no shoes, and more thrills. “We use our bare feet, there’s no fake tricks. There’s a guy who climbs eight stacked chairs without a rope,” he said. For Lungwa, his highlight will be balancing fifteen long bones with a feather. “Come and experience this, the greatest live show from Africa,” he said. Cirque Mother Africa will be performing in Geraldton at Queens Park Theatre on June 9 at 7.30pm.