Get ready for a “high-flying, audaciously athletic feast for the senses,” as Afrique en Cirque takes the stage at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, Feb. 27 for a pair of performances.
Presented by Kalabanté Productions and CPAC, the show combines theatre, dance and music, along with some acrobatics, says a press release.
” An immersive journey for the whole family, this show will transport you to mystical places – such as a rainforest in the midst of a sacred dance ceremony around a fire – while listening to the dynamic sounds of live musicians,” says the release.
“Afrique en Cirque symbolizes the strength, agility and joy of life found in African youth. A handful of daring acrobats, accompanied by their musicians, perform to the pulsating rhythm of the djembes of Guinea with their authentic and original choreography and acrobatics. With the melodious sound of the Kora, Yamoussa Bangoura transports us to a place where the diversity of traditional African arts is illuminated and combined with the virtuosity of a modern North American Circus performance.”
Based in Montreal, Yamoussa Bangoura, the artistic director of the company who created Kalabanté Productions in 2007, is a multidisciplinary artist of Guinean origin. It was his long-term dream to found a school of circus arts. He teaches African dance and traditional music of West Africa, as well as various artistic disciplines.
His shows, including Kô Ryass, Kumbaya, Uno, Kira Nene and Afrique en Cirque have been performed worldwide.
The two performances of Afrique en Cirque are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $36 for adults, $16 for children and $89 for a family. Get tickets online at cowichanpac.ca or call the Ticket Centre at the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan at 250-746-2722 or visit in person.
Masks are mandatory for everyone ages five and over. Everyone aged 12 and over is required to show their vaccine passport, and those over age 19 must also show a photo ID.