SOUTH AFRICA: THE UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS PRIDES ITSELF ON BEING THE VERY FIRST BLACK-OWNED AND BLACK-RUN BIG TOP IN THE WORLD
Record ID:
391903
SOUTH AFRICA: THE UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS PRIDES ITSELF ON BEING THE VERY FIRST BLACK-OWNED AND BLACK-RUN BIG TOP IN THE WORLD
- Title: SOUTH AFRICA: THE UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS PRIDES ITSELF ON BEING THE VERY FIRST BLACK-OWNED AND BLACK-RUN BIG TOP IN THE WORLD
- Date: 10th August 2001
- Summary: VARIOUS MAGICIAN 'MIGHTY CALDINI' PERFORMING, AUDIENCE WATCHING; VARIOUS TIGHTROPE ACT 'WILLY FAMILY' PERFORMING
- Embargoed: 25th August 2001 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
- Country: South Africa
- Topics: Entertainment,General
- Reuters ID: LVAF3IBVMCIG3ZFKI2JXXM4OD99W
- Story Text: The Universoul Circus has just finished a tour of
South Africa - it is not just any old circus. It prides
itself on being the very first black-owned and black-run big
top in the world... and was founded seven years ago by two
American showbusiness industry professionals from Atlanta,
Georgia who wanted to find an new form of live entertainment
relevant to their background.
The Universoul Circus is the brainchild of Cedrick
Walker - who founded it with a clear vision of why he was
doing it. "Most of the black performers in the various
circus never have had the opportunity to perform for their own
people or in a black audience that responded to them or that
actually took a certain ownership of pride in the individual
performer, " he says.
Co-founder and ringmaster Casual Cal du Pree says the
circus was established to entertain not just Americans.
"There was some family entertainment missing, especially among
black people and we thought that once we put a soulful black
thing in America together, the world would love it."
He's a versatile performer, switching at the change of a
hat to become the 'Mighty Caldini', a flamboyantly dressed
magician. By his side, the big, beautiful leading lady, 'Miss
Attitude'.
The Universoul Circus is a cultural melting pot, drawing
black performers from all over the world. Take the Willy
family of South America for example. They do a daring tight
rope act right at the top of the tent. To build a pyramid
requires not just nimble footwork and balance, but teamwork and
trust.
"Circus is integrity. It's hard work. It's consistent. It's about
joy. It's about giving of your self to make folks happy. And
that's what life is really all about. And many people miss the
boat. They think that circus is a freak show, a side show. But
when you look at these workers work hard, do show after show,
making people happy and they make that a part of their life,
it's almost a missionary job," says Casual Cal du Pree.
It seems you have to be something of a dare devil to
enjoy working in the circus.
South African trapeze artist Wandisile Mtshula
- who dropped karate and ballroom dancing for a more swinging
life - knows that. He may make most of the swirling and
twirling he does up there look easy but it's dangerous stuff.
Dangling from the top of the tent involves enormous risk to
life and limb.
"I am short but I love heights. It feels great you know. For the
first time it was scary because I had never done it. I used to see
it on TV and all that you know. But when I did it, it was okay. The
thing is you have to trust the person who is holding your
safety lines, I'm on the belt to a safety line," says
Wandisile MtShula.
He's is not the only one who enjoys the thrill and
excitement of floating in the air. Jean Claude Belmat, a Paris
based performer, has spent years training his body. He says
he thinks nothing of executing all sorts of moves mid-air.
With just arm straps for support, he winds his way up to the
top of the tent.
Jean Claude Belmat says he never been scared and before
he performs he goes through a little ritual to make sure he
isn't. "Afraid? No, I've never been afraid! I'm not afraid.
What I say to myself, I say a little prayer before when it's
my turn to come out. What I say three times is: I'm not
afraid, I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid! And no, I'm not
afraid."
The show draws heavily on African-American entertainment
traditions. Most of the music for the hour-long performance
can be described as the soundtrack of black American
experience from jazz to soul, R&B, hip hop, rap and gospel.
For Cedrick Walker there's an underlying black
philosophy behind all the acts.
"There is a story behind every black performer and it is the
story of struggle. It's a story of spirit that releases itself
in front of the audience and it really is magic. It really
grabs the audience in the heart and the soul. Entertainment
is one thing and to execute your performance well is another.
But to grab the soul of the audience is the magic and I think
that's what we do."
For most South Africans though the star of the show was
fellow national 11 year old Lunga Buthelezi. The young
contortionist can twist her limbs into all sorts of knots. Her
body bends with such agility, it's as if she's made of jelly
rather than bones. Lunga performed on the streets of
Johannesburg before she joined the circus 18 months ago.
Lunga Buthelezi says her unusual ability at first caused
her family to worry. "My mum said when I was a baby when I
used to do all those things she used to call my aunt - she was
like no! I don't think this kid is normal. Like - things like
that."
Now though that concern is a thing of the past - she'll
now be able to twist out a future in the circus. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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