Kirkland Fine Arts Center presents Cirque Zuma Zuma, the internationally renowned stage show that was a finalist on AMERICA’S GOT TALENT, for one night only on Saturday, February 4, at 7:30pm.
Based in Las Vegas, this troupe of acrobats, street dancers, and contortionists have toured across Europe, Australia, the United States and Canada, performing a variety of traditional dances and acrobatic feats drawn from the heritage of multiple African peoples and nations. South African gumboot dancing, Gabonese tumbling, Tanzanian chair and handstand balancing, Ethiopian foot table juggling and contortionists are all represented, as well as African music and chants that reflect drumming traditions and hip-hop from around the world. This high-energy, 90-minute show of non-stop action is designed to delight and wow audiences of all ages.
Founder John Jacob, who toured internationally and domestically as an acrobat, circusand street performer, put together the troupe — representing 16 different African nations — after noticing that he never saw an African circus show while on the road.
Jacob has said: “Many describe Cirque Zuma Zuma as African-style Cirque du Soleil; such is the standard of the performers and the quality of the show’s live musical score. The thought of our rich African continent brings to mind at once mysticism, magic and excitement. We are the cradle of all cultures, the ultimate source for music, dance and ritual.”
This dazzling spectacle of color and sound combines live music, dance, and theatrical elements with gymnastic tumbling and circus stunts. Kirkland Fine Arts Center Director Bryan Diver said:
“It’s a privilege to present Cirque at the start of Black History Month. In addition to being wildly entertaining, Cirque is rare because it features such a wide breadth of traditions from across the African continent, while also incorporating contemporary elements from the African diaspora in the United States and Europe.”
Although tickets for this show often top over $40 dollars elsewhere, Kirkland Fine Arts Center is proud to offer this performance to the Decatur and Central Illinois community at the much more affordable price of $15 // $20 // $25, with discounted tickets available for seniors and children under the age of 12.
To buy tickets and for a full schedule of events, please visit kirklandfinearts.comanytime, or call or visit the ticket office in-person after January 10:
Kirkland Fine Arts Center - Ticket Office
1215 North Kirkland Drive
Decatur, Illinois 62522
Phone: (217) 424-6318
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm
Support for Kirkland Fine Arts Center has been provided by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.