September 18-October 16, 2024
Best enjoyed by Grades 2-12
Student Matinees
Soar into the visual spectacle of this pulsating acrobatic performance set against the Cape Town skyline! Comic jugglers, unicycle dancers, and an authentic gumboot dance will take you on a freewheeling journey that explores the spirit and vitality of township life. Watch as a simple city bench becomes a sidesplitting spark for a newfound friendship, and feel the energetic beat of South African pop music. You’ll relish this thrilling feat of acrobatics and rhythmic movement that celebrates the joy of sharing community with one another.
By Zip Zap Circus
Original Soundtrack Composed by Josh Hawks
About the Show
- Featuring high energy acts that are captivating for both younger and older audiences alike.
- This production takes place on our UnitedHealth Group Stage which seats up to 745 people per performance.
- We know that teachers are the best judge to determine the right fit for their unique group of students. We recommend Zip Zap Circus: MOYA for students in grades 2–12 due to the length and potential scariness of dangerous stunts.
Content Advisories
Language: 0 out of 5 stars
Little spoken English is used. The performance is primarily non-verbal and uses South African pop music.
Themes and Situations: 0 out of 5 stars
Violence & Scariness: 1 out of 5 stars
Professional performers perform death-defying stunts. While it might be nerve-racking, they are trained professionals.
Sensory Advisories: 4 out of 5 stars
Music can be loud and audience cheering is often encouraged. Lighting moves quickly from dark to bright and lights are flashed. Some strobe lights are used.
Potentially Anxious Moments: 2 out of 5 stars
Professional performers perform death-defying stunts. While it might be nerve-racking, they are trained professionals.
Full Plot Description
This is a complete description of the play, so it is full of spoilers.
Content is subject to change.
The show is based on a true story of one of the performers of Zip Zap Circus, who went from living in poverty to persevering and finding a home and community performing with the circus. It begins with us seeing Trompie, a young man on the street asking for money from passersby. The gymnasts throw, toss, and tumble around him and with each other. They share a message of rising up, staying strong, and trying to find a way. Trompie watches an acrobat balancing and contorting on raised blocks. The acrobat is assisted by the others and balances and is caught by them. Trompie is amazed and wants to be a part of this community, and meets some of the members of the group and dances and balances with them.
He then watches an aerialist spinning and balancing through the air on a suspended bar, as well as other performers dancing. The performers begin to do gumboot dancing, which is a type of South African rhythmic step dance. Trompie tries to join in and succeeds. We then see a juggler, dancing and juggling many balls. Next up is a hoop acrobat who balances and spins in a very large hoop around the stage. More performers do floor tumbling as well as dancing. The aerialist returns with silks and rolls and turns through the air.
The next scene shows an almost party of circus performers, with music, drumming, dancing, juggling, unicycling, jump-roping, yo-yo-ing, and other circus skills shown all together. The Diablo Yo-Yo performer performs by himself before sharing the stage with jugglers and another aerialist. Finally, there is a spoken word poetry performed about growth and community, followed by a final dance with Trompie with the whole company, all together sharing their skills and talents.
“Having our troupe and show MOYA come to Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis this September fills me with pure excitement, pride, and gratitude. I can’t wait for our performers to share their genuine spirit on stage, inspiring both young and old alike. Through workshops and collaborations, we hope to create meaningful connections and spread joy throughout Minneapolis. This journey is not just about entertainment; it’s about fostering understanding and sparking creativity in every heart we touch.”
-Laurence Estève, Co-founder and CEO of Zip Zap Circus.
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in person or virtual
Workshops & Residencies
CTC transforms the classroom through multi-disciplined interactive workshops that spark creativity, encourage collaboration, and inspire action. Professional teaching artists facilitate engaging and inclusive learning opportunities for students while personalizing each experience to the needs and interests of your students and the learning goals of your classroom.