In 1992, a vibrant dream was born in South Africa, a country on the cusp of monumental change. Brent and Laurence van Rensburg, passionate circus performers, decided to return to Cape Town after 14 years of performing abroad. What was initially a brief visit turned into a lifelong commitment to using the art of circus to bridge divides and build communities. Today, Zip Zap Circus stands as a testament to their vision, a space where children from all walks of life can dream, create, and transform their lives.
Bridging Gaps with the Power of Circus
Founded at a time when Nelson Mandela had just been released from prison, South Africa was a nation yearning for unity. The Van Rensburgs saw an opportunity to contribute to the healing process by offering a circus as a tool for children to connect, regardless of their backgrounds. “We wanted to use circus as a tool to bridge the gaps between children who would not normally have the opportunity to meet,” Brent recalls. What began with 15 children from townships has since grown into an institution with over 3,000 students annually, all attending free of charge.
Thirty-two years later, Zip Zap Circus remains a beacon of hope and transformation. It is a place where children are given the chance to transcend their circumstances, learn valuable life skills, and create lasting bonds. As Brent puts it, “The real success of Zip Zap is not just in the performances and accolades, but in the family that is formed here, where children from different backgrounds become brothers and sisters.”
MOYA: From Film to Stage
One of the most exciting developments for Zip Zap has been the creation of MOYA, a live show that encapsulates the essence of the circus’s mission. MOYA’s story is deeply personal—it mirrors the life of one of its lead performers, a young man who grew up on the streets before finding a home and a future with Zip Zap. This young man, now a seasoned performer, has toured the world, including performing at the White House for President Barack Obama.
MOYA originally began as a film project during the COVID-19 pandemic, created by the Van Rensburgs’ daughter, Sabine, a professional aerialist based in Montreal. The film, telling the story of a young boy’s journey from the streets to the world stage, was nominated for four awards in the United States and won three, standing out against giants like Cirque du Soleil. Inspired by the film’s success, the Van Rensburgs decided to bring MOYA to life on stage.
A Musical Celebration of South African Culture
MOYA is more than just a circus performance; it is a celebration of South African culture, especially the vibrant spirit of Cape Town. The show features an original musical score composed by Josh Hawks, the bassist of the internationally acclaimed South African band Freshlyground. Known for their hits that resonate with South Africans and music lovers around the world, Freshlyground’s involvement adds a rich, authentic layer to MOYA. Zolani Mahola, the band’s iconic lead singer, lends her voice to some of the tracks, creating a soundscape that is both deeply South African and universally appealing.
The music, combined with the diverse acts of MOYA, works harmoniously to tell a story of resilience, hope, and unity. The performances incorporate local dance forms, such as Pantsula and Gumboot dancing, which are deeply rooted in South Africa’s history and culture. These elements bring the essence of Cape Town to the stage, offering Minneapolis audiences a taste of the Rainbow Nation’s vibrant energy and cultural diversity.
Performing for Icons: Mandela and Obama
Zip Zap Circus has had the honor of performing for some of the world’s most revered leaders, including South Africa’s own Nelson Mandela and former U.S. President Barack Obama. Meeting Mandela was a turning point for the Van Rensburgs. Brent recalls performing for Mandela’s 77th birthday in 1995: “After the show, Mandela’s security team came over and said the president wants to meet you. It was such an honor. Mandela was curious about our work and insisted on meeting all the children. His last words to us were, ‘Keep up the good work.’ That was all the motivation we needed to continue.” These moments, etched in the history of Zip Zap, serve as reminders of the impact the circus has had not only in South Africa but also on the global stage.
Brent van Rensburg emphasized the transformative impact of this program on the learners who participate, highlighting how it builds confidence, fosters creativity, and nurtures a sense of community among the youth. He described the initiative as a “circle,” where the skills and values learned are passed on, creating a cycle of empowerment and growth. Van Rensburg hopes that through this program, participants will not only gain performance skills but also develop life skills that will positively influence their futures and contribute to their communities.
An Invitation to Experience MOYA
Zip Zap Circus’s journey from Cape Town to Minneapolis is a story of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of art. MOYA is more than a performance; it is a celebration of what can be achieved when children are given the opportunity to dream and the tools to succeed.
For Minneapolis audiences, MOYA offers a rare chance to experience the magic of South Africa’s culture and the incredible stories of the children whose lives have been transformed by Zip Zap Circus.
The production will run from September 12 to October 20, 2024, with the Opening Night on Saturday, September 14, at 7 pm, at CTC’s UnitedHealth Group Stage (2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404). With a running time of 80 minutes and no intermission, this show is perfect for all ages, and lap passes are available for children 3 years and younger. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased at childrenstheatre.org/zipzap or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this extraordinary show – all 54 of them. To find out more and book your tickets, visit the Children’s Theatre Company’s website here. On Facebook, you can find them at @Children’s Theatre Company. On X (formerly Twitter), you can find them @ChildrensTheatr, and on Instagram, find them under @childrenstheatrecompany.
