Circus
RAW Mother Africa @ Her Majesty’s until 15 Aug 5K
Aug 5th
Mother Africa opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre Wednesday night to a full house with the crew just returning from a two week break after having performed at Jupiter’s Casino on the Gold Coast for 4 months. Adelaide is the second Australian stop for Mother Africa, performing until the 15 August, before moving on to New Zealand.
From the start to finish, what calls itself a circus is what I would rather label a journey of energy as it goes way beyond circus. So, from start to finish it is a two way performance between the artists and audience. The energy on stage is reflected by the energy of the crowd’s response. It is a pleasure, a joy to be part of this electrifying experience. The energetic, enjoyable, entertaining and enthralling show takes us on a journey of music, traditional dance and powerful acrobatics with a mixture of mesmerizing colour of the traditional looking costumes.
The world touring show which promotes itself as 100% African, 100% Joy and 100% Party. I must say I 100% agree. It is a party of music, dance and acrobatics. And it is a joy to see the artists enjoying themselves while doing their performance and soaking up the audience’s joyful response. The 40 artists are 100% African, from many different countries of the second-largest continent such as Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and South Africa. Let me add 100% energy and 100% entertainment.
Thank you Mother Africa. Not often that I would give a full 5K, but this must see show deserves it. With ticket prices starting at $59.90 for adults there is no excuse to miss Mother Africa.
Kryztoff Rating 5K
RAW: Mother Africa – Her Majesty’s – Aug 4 – 15 – Preview
Aug 2nd
Created in Germany by producer / director Winston Ruddle, Mother Africa arrives in Adelaide this week for a twelve day season at Her Majesty’s, somewhat surprisingly perhaps, without having ever been staged on their home continent. 
Included in the cast is 12 year old, Yonas Teka, who has created an unofficial Guinness World record of 30 continuous somersault flips, surpassing the previous record of 25. He, like all the other cast members, came through an exhaustive audition process by Ruddle to choose Africa’s most talented. The exception perhaps to that is MC, Bongi Mtshali, who got that particular role because she could best pronounce German when required to at short notice!
Mother Africa has already enjoyed an extended sell-out season on the Gold Coast and this should provide a warming relief to Adelaide circus lovers during the next fortnight as well.
RAW: Circus Oz – Barely Contained
Feb 26th
Circus Oz was all the delight it promised to be. Fast paced acrobatics, innovative routines, multi-talented performers that together were both awe inspiring and immensely entertaining for all ages. In the air-conditioned big top on the Parade Grounds, local girl, Eli Green, as Vanessa, hosted the show and led the dominant female contingent. The by-play between circus strong woman, Mel Fyfe and diminutive Emma Hawkins was great fun that continued all show. If anything the first half is more compelling than the second but opinions may well be divided on this.
A show such as this naturally draws comparison with Circus Soleil. This is a much simpler show that loses nothing for not having the glitz of the other troupe. It is perhaps its more egalitarian approach to performing that not only stamps it generally but also as a truly Australian production. Simple everyday objects for props (glass bottles, wooden chairs, a toaster) and a consistent and effective intermingling of audience and performers makes the show very welcoming.
Great entertainment and it is also great to have Circus Oz back in town for this year’s Festival.
Kryztoff Rating 4.5K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: Food For Thought @ The Birdcage
Feb 25th
A trio of elegant acrobats grace the stage at The Birdcage. Starting with an a cappella version of Que Sera Sera, a housewife (albeit balancing on a trapeze) ices a number of cupcakes to share with her girlfriend (on another trapeze). The hungry butler arrives on stilts, to serve these cakes. From then on, a battle rages between the two mistresses and the butler over cupcakes, cabbage, and much much more.
The girls present half an hour of fantastic gymnastics, breathtaking feats of balance and fluid motions – save your applause to the end.
Definitely worth a walk to the Birdcage, on Victoria Drive, opposite the Torrens Parade Ground, aka The Big Top.
Kryztoff Rating: 3.5K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latrest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: Circus Trick Tease @ The Ringbox (GoUD)
Feb 20th
A hilariously entertaining hour by a crew of three acrobats as they clown around on stage with some impressive tricks, a lot of teasing, a bit of a jive, some clumsiness, some jealousy, some rivalry, a lot of flirting and not just one tantrum. Meet a sensitive new age strongman and Miss Tinkle who are constantly at each other trying to steal the limelight and a clown who’s show is overshadowed, literally, by backstage shenanigans. The audience appreciated the energy of this unique circus’s crew and the acrobatics performed with skill and strength and plenty of humor.
Kryztoff Rating: 4 K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: Denim @ The Birdcage
Feb 19th
Denim is one of those beautifully awkward performances for those unintiated to dance. Why awkward? Because you want to clap, cheer and gasp in awe, but you can’t do so without ruining the mood and flow of this well crafted acrobatic\dance piece. Sit back and just enjoy the human body performing some powerful feats. Then make sure you cheer and clap like nuts at the end. Well done to all involved.
Kryztoff Rating: 4 K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe