![MOYA by Zip Zap Circus MOYA by Zip Zap Circus](https://images.childrenstheatre.org/uploads/2024/08/blog-masthead_zz.jpg?resize=955%2C597&gravity)
Meet the Zip Zap Circus MOYA Cast
Posted on August 12, 2024
Meet the 10 amazingly talented cast members of MOYA by Zip Zap Circus! Inspired by the uniquely South African context, MOYA explores and celebrates heritage and culture in an acrobatic display that paints a picture before your very eyes.
![Bridgette Berning Bridgette Berning](https://images.childrenstheatre.org/uploads/2024/08/inline-Bridgette-Berning.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
BRIDGETTE BERNING
Areas of Expertise: Silks, Trapeze, Flyer, Contortion, Dance
Bridgette made her professional debut in Paris, undertaking 94 shows in 3 months, while performing two aerial acts, two acro-dance pieces and more. Hardworking is an understatement for this young lady, as audiences of MOYA will witness.
![Jason Barnard Jason Barnard](https://images.childrenstheatre.org/uploads/2024/08/inline-Jason-Barnard.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
JASON BARNARD
Areas of Expertise: Porter, Bounce Juggler, Acrobat, Dance, Rapper
Jason is a multi-disciplinary circus performer with a captivating stage presence and is undoubtedly the best bounce juggler in South Africa. However, Jason’s top achievement is his gift of caring and sharing which is evident in the telling of the MOYA story. Jason is also a role model to many of his younger brothers and sisters back home at Zip Zap.
![Matthew Risk Matthew Risk](https://images.childrenstheatre.org/uploads/2024/08/inline-Matthew-Risk.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
MATTHEW RISK
Areas of Expertise: Unicycle, Acrobat, Porter, Dance
Matthew is a unicyclist extraordinaire! From 10 years old he never missed a rehearsal or show at Zip Zap. Dedicated, persistent, with strong attention to detail and an ultimate team player, he brings an incredible energy to every performance of MOYA.
![Lukhanyo Samson Lukhanyo Samson](https://images.childrenstheatre.org/uploads/2024/08/inline-Lukhanyo-Samson.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
LUKHANYO SAMSON
Areas of Expertise: Flying, Acrobatics & Dance
Unlike most of his fellow MOYA performers, Lukhayno did not start at Zip Zap at a very young age. But, oh boy, did he make up for it! His natural ability to move, and willingness to learn, allowed him to find his wings and learn to fly.
![Masizakhe Kovi Masizakhe Kovi](https://images.childrenstheatre.org/uploads/2024/08/inline-Masizakhe-Kovi.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
MASIZAKHE KOVI
Areas of Expertise: Hand Balancing, Flyer, Acrobat, Dance
Known as Masi, this young man started Zip Zap at the tender age of 9. Very quiet and somewhat shy, Masi honed his handstand skills over time. His ability to draw an audience into his world on stage is uncanny and far beyond his years.
![Luqmaan Benjamin Luqmaan Benjamin](https://images.childrenstheatre.org/uploads/2024/08/inline-Luqmaan-Benjamin.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
LUQMAAN BENJAMIN
Areas of Expertise: Acrobat, Porter, Dance
Luqmaan is MOYA’s “twister” and solid base. His acrobatic skills were born on the streets of Cape Town. After entering and winning most of the local and international tricking competitions he joined Zip Zap. He is now a consummate performer and rock-solid base man.
![Phelelani Ndakrokra Phelelani Ndakrokra](https://images.childrenstheatre.org/uploads/2024/08/inline-Phelelani-Ndakrokra.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
PHELELANI NDAKROKRA
Areas of Expertise: Cyr Wheel, Straps, Acrobat, Dance
When asked why he likes to be called “Ree” he says “Because it’s important to remember my humble beginnings and be grateful for the opportunity to fly.” This young man brings unbridled passion, energy rarely seen, feelings from another life, which will take you on a journey with him every second he’s on stage.
![Vuyani Lottering Vuyani Lottering](https://images.childrenstheatre.org/uploads/2024/08/inline-Vuyani-Lottering.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
VUYANI LOTTERING
Areas of Expertise: Juggler, Acrobat, Porter, Dance
Vuyani started juggling at an afterschool program in a township called Nyanga, just outside of Cape Town. This led him to Zip Zap, from student to teacher, teacher to staff member, now an integral part of MOYA bringing his skill, personality, effortless movement, and radiant smile.
![Akho Narwele Akho Narwele](https://images.childrenstheatre.org/uploads/2024/08/inline-Akho-Narwele.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
AKHO NARWELE
Areas of Expertise: Club Juggling, Porter, Acrobat, Dance
Our gentle giant, soft-spoken, humble, and kind, Akho brings a calmness, sense of security and soft touch, not only to the stage but also to the team offstage. This is the glue that makes MOYA so special.
![Jacobus Claassen Jacobus Claassen](https://images.childrenstheatre.org/uploads/2024/08/inline-Jacobus-Claassen.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
JACOBUS CLAASSEN
Areas of Expertise: Flyer, Clown , Bounce Juggler, Acrobat
Affectionately known as “Trompie,” Jacobus joined Zip Zap in 2009. After a tough start in life, he quickly discovered his passion “the circus.” Excelling in many different disciplines, he was drawn naturally to comedy. This young man has performed globally, including 94 shows in Paris, where he had his face on over 400 busses and metro stations combined. But one of his fondest memories was performing at the White House for Barack Obama.
To learn more about MOYA and to purchase tickets, visit childrenstheatre.org/moya.