Africa without the plane ticket: Afrique en Cirque is coming to Canberra

Posted on 23 February, 2024

Many kids dream of running away with the circus – but Yamoussa Bangoura made those dreams a reality.

Growing up in Guinea-Conakry, Yamoussa was drawn into the frenetic world of circus by watching European circuses on TV as a child and made it his mission to one day be on those enormous, colourful stages.

“I was fascinated by seeing them like do crazy things. For me, my friends, all my family thought it was a magical thing…our parents always covered their eyes.”

“I followed my vision of creating a circus school in my hometown, Guinea-Conakry, and [travelled] the world with my circus company Kalabanté, keeping the African culture combined with circus skills. I made a dream a reality.”

Now, Yamoussa is bringing Kalabanté and his show, Afrique en Cirque to Canberra Theatre Centre from 1-2 March.

In this dynamic show, Yamoussa has combined the traditional thrills of circus (acrobatics, stunts, human pyramids) with the aforementioned African culture with music, dance, costumes and immersive set pieces, allowing Canberrans to, in his words, “travel to Africa without taking a plane”.

Afrique en Cirque also has a live band accompanying each performance, giving the audience a taste of Guinean music and giving the acrobats and performers a pulsating, powerful soundtrack for their feats.

While Yamoussa says the show is suitable for all ages – from the young to the young at heart – I’m sure he hopes that his circus is also able to inspire the next generation of circus-makers.

“We want audience to leave the venue full of energy,” says Yamoussa. “Breathe taken [in] the greatness of Guinean acrobatics.”

Perhaps in 20 years a young Canberran will be saying in an interview that they were inspired by Afrique en Cirque to chase their own dreams.