Our friends over at the New Victory Theater have really outdone themselves this year with their holiday show Mother Africa. Even though my eight-year-old son probably goes to more circus spectacles than birthday parties (and believe me, he goes to a lot of those!), this production totally exceeded our expectations. Performed by Tanzania's Circus Der Sinne (Circus of the Senses in English), Mother Africa is an exuberant celebration of the continent and its many cultures. While the show includes feats of amazing acrobatic prowess, it's not a traditional circus—there are no clowns, animals or rings. Instead, it's a 15-act pageant featuring amazing African music and dance, gorgeous tribal-inspired costumes and performers who buzz with energy, enthusiasm, pride and joy. My son and I practically danced the entire way home after seeing it.
I have to admit, my knowledge of African culture is pathetic so Mother Africa introduced me to some new-to-me art forms, like the century-old gumboot dance, a rhythmic form of communication that originated in South Africa's gold mines; the incredible sounds of the mbira, a folk instrument also known as a thumb piano; evocative masked stilt dancers and the boisterous stomping of the Zulu people. As entertaining as it is educational, the show spotlights highly trained circus performers. While every act was a hit, some were so awe inspiring they had us on the edge of our seats, especially the unbelievable unicycling skills of Baraka Juma Ferouz, Yusuphu Ramadhani Fuko's six-chair balancing act, and strongman duo Omary Ramadhani Omary and Fadhili Ramadhani Rashido'a hand-to-hand balancing. The most astonishing routine in my opinion was contortionist Ersi Teame Gebregziabher, considered one of the most flexible men in the world. He tied himself up in some serious knots and then squeezed his entire lithe body through a string-less tennis racket. Another favorite? Icarian Games a.k.a. human foot juggling which finds Tamrat Yemane Ayalew throwing the adorable 12-year-old Tomas Teka Alemu into the air at high speeds. But there are no duds here. My son and I found the 100-minute performance a joy to watch from its rousing opening to its festive finale.
Although Mother Africa is recommended for ages 5 and up, I think it's good for preschoolers as long as they can sit through a two-act performance without getting antsy. It's not too loud and it's thrilling enough to keep most kids glued to their chairs. It's definitely a good bet for the upcoming holiday break!
Mother Africa plays through Sunday, January 5 at the New Victory Theater, 209 West 42nd Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue. Tickets are $17-$55.
Read about other exceptional holiday shows or find out about other great things to do over the school break in our Holiday Fun Guide.
Photos courtesy of Circus Der Sinne