Staff Writer
SEVEN members of the Zip Zap circus are heading to Nigeria to perform at the 10th anniversary of the Society for Performing Arts Nigeria (Span).
Zip Zap tackles poverty and unemployment in Cape Town by teaching circus skills to aspiring young people in poor areas. They train and perform at a permanent tent on the Foreshore, close to the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Seven of Zip Zap’s performers – Jacobus Claassen Jason Barnard, Phelelani Ndakroka, Sabine van Rensburg, Lennert Vandenbroeck, Lesu Escalante and Tamryn Escalante – will perform at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, in Lagos on Saturday.
The troupe will perform death-defying aerial acts, including the single trapeze and silk, and on the floor, gravity juggling, the Cyr wheel, and dance and movement.
They will perform for 350 guests, including international business people as well as expatriates.
Zip Zap co-founder and artistic director Brent van Rensburg said being invited to perform at the gala event was a huge achievement for them, and a testament to the exceptional talent and refined skills among the Zip Zap performers.
“The support and opportunities we have received have shown that our motto, “Dare to dream”, does not only capture our ideals, but has become a rewarding inspiration for all Zip Zappers,” he said.
Zip Zap has trained numerous children since its inception in 1992. Some of their kids are performing artists working in Europe and North America.
On their website, Zip Zap states that they have young people who grew up on the streets who are now skilled and valued artists and technicians in the entertainment and film industries. Some of the trainees have gone on to become circus teachers.
Span is a non-profit organisation that aims to create a high level of standards for performing arts education and expression in Nigeria.
The 10th-anniversary show is titled “Our Story” and tells the stories of Span stars through a showcase of dance, music and song, and how some have gone on to be successful performers.
Span’s founder and director, Sarah Boulos, said: “We are committed to the preservation and promotion of the rich cultural and artistic expressions the African people are known for, and take pride in the association with organisations that share our passion.”
Boulos said Zip Zap was chosen to perform at the event because of their passionate spirit and because it would be an opportunity to learn from them.