Afrique en Cirque review
Afrique en Cique is not your normal circus. With a live afro-funk-band and performers that leap to from one another and show off their bodies in an extraordinary way, it can stand on its own as a live performance. Performed at Southbank’s Queen Elizabeth Hall until Sunday 28th July, Afrique en Cique is a standout piece of art that transports you on a journey into the world of Guinea.
The show is essentially a story and is broken up into sections that depict Guinean history and culture. A day at the market, fishing, and unfortunately but necessary to depict as a nod to historical accuracy, the slave trade. These well-acted scenes served to keep the audience enrapt for what might follow.
In 90 minutes, you feel colourful, joyous and alive. The performers are amazing as they all give a sense of community and trust (which feeds into the depiction of the slave trade). You enter the rich and vibrant world in which there is nothing but happiness and awe. The favourite acts have to be the swing hoop; you are transfixed and (almost) hold your breath as you watch the performer swing back and forth and performing tricks that you definitely shouldn’t try at home at all. The second is the contortionist; how a body can bend in such ways in unbelievable and he finishes off as if nothing happened? Remarkable to say the least.
Afrique en Cique is an enjoyable treat, full of energy and gasps that you don’t want to miss this summer!
Written by Nora Arooj