SOUTH AFRICA: THE UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS PRIDES ITSELF ON BEING THE VERY FIRST BLACK-OWNED AND BLACK-RUN BIG TOP IN THE WORLD

Record ID: 391909

  • 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 TAP DANCERS PERFORMING ROUTINE
  • Embargoed: 25th August 2001 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Entertainment,General
  • Reuters ID: LVA85QFBNILC38HEEAOTIVO23IF1
  • 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.
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