The 30, 31 August and 01 September is bringing you a collaboration of epic proportions taking place at the Artscape Theatre. 25LIVE will combine the rock-phenomenon, The Parlotones with dauntless stunts by Cape Town’s very own home-grown circus, Zip Zap.
This rocking three night show is also about celebrating Zip Zap circus’s tenacious lady-team, in honour of Woman’s Month this August!
“Through circus, our girls have become incredibly strong, both physically and mentally, and although times are gradually changing, there are still underlying prejudices and stereotypes that these girls are breaking every day by doing what they love,” says Laurence Estève, Zip Zap’s Co-founder and CEO.
South Africa celebrates Women’s Month in memory of the thousands of women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956. In honour of their courage, Zip Zap has taken the opportunity to reflect on some of the inspiring young women who have walked through their doors, trained their hearts out, and stepped into the world to make their mark.
Sabine Van Rensburg who grew up at Zip Zap recently finished her 2nd year at ENC, the top professional Circus School based in Montreal, Canada. She has been acknowledged for revolutionizing her aerial specialty ‘The Silks’ and has caught the attention of many top show directors who are taking note of her talents, despite her still having a year of school left before she graduates.
Jaimee Allen who graduated from ESAC (Ecole Supérieure des Arts du Cirque), a top Circus School in Europe earlier this year with a daring cloud swing act has applied for the ‘Festival De Demain’ in Paris for 2018. This is a world renowned competition to determine the best circus act in the world for under 25 years old.
Chantal Nel who started her career at Zip Zap and ended up performing a trapeze set for 6 years around the world with Cirque Du Soleil now owns a pole dancing gym. Christine Chapman, Zip Zap’s first contortionist recently started her very own touring tenting circus.
Zip Zap’s upcoming show, 25LIVE, is well-timed with Women’s Month to showcase their talented young women. “Our girls gracefully keep up with the rest of the team, including The Parlotones, which I think perfectly defines the term ‘girl-power’,” says Estève. “Years of hard work which has materialized into dazzling performances on stage prove that they have overcome any existing gender barriers prevalent in our society,” she adds.
“Balancing their circus training with their scholar, sporting and a social life is a feat that characterizes the famous multi-tasking abilities of women. In this red, black and silver street-styled, thrilling fusion of sound, lights and action our girls are truly exquisite and deserve to be praised for their resilience, grace and go-getter attitudes”, concludes Estève.
Come and witness Zip Zap’s talents ladies at “25LIVE: a night at the circus”. Get your tickets at Computicket or via Artscape-Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695. VIP tickets are available from Zip Zap directly: Jillian on 021 421 86 23 or jillian@zip-zap.co.za.
For more information about Zip Zap visit their website.
https://www.youtube.com/user/zipzapcircus
https://twitter.com/zipzapcircus
https://www.facebook.com/zipzapcircus/
About Zip Zap Circus School
Zip Zap Circus is a not for profit social school that was founded in Cape Town in 1992, to inspire young people and help build a new culture of peaceful coexistence in South Africa. Working with a diverse community of children from all backgrounds, Zip Zap helps children to ‘dare to dream’ and learn to make those dreams a reality. Zip Zap’s programmes are all free to participants, with financial and material support coming from individuals, organisation, corporations and foundations. In South Africa and the world, Zip Zap is recognised across Governments, Ministries of Education, Tourism, Arts & Culture and private societies, as a major contributor to the development within the iconic ‘Mother City’ and providing sustainability of the circus arts in South Africa.
