Cirque Mother Africa

'Masks, drums, beads, and amazing costumes and sets all bring forth the feel of authentic African traditions. Cirque Mother Africais not just a traditional African show. It also has a take on the modern, fresh and dynamic culture of the new Africa. This is a fresh and fantastic show that evokes passion and demands a response. Audiences are encouraged, prodded and charmed to actively respond rather than to simply watch a breath-taking spectacle.'

Cirque Mother Africa is a unique type of circus, it has been compared to 'The Lion King' but it incorporates traditional circus acts. 

'Critics have described this theatrical event as “enthralling”, “a theatrical treasure”, “a feel good spectacular par excellence”, “solid Entertainment”, “fun, fun, fun” and much more.'

If this sounds interesting to you Click Here learn more about their show at Canberra Theatre Centre. 

Animal Circus Controversies

Animal-based circus' have been in the eye of environmentalists through the years as they have discovered animal living conditions has not been satisfactory.
Research shows:

• 71% of the observed animals had medical problems 
• 33% of tigers and lions did not have access to an outdoor enclosure 
• 66% of tigers, lions and elephants were malnourished 
• Lions spend on average 98% of their time indoors 
• An average enclosure of tigers is only 5m squared
• Elephants are shackled in chains for 17 hours a day on average 
• Elephants spend on average 10 hours a day showing stereotypic behaviour 
• Tigers are terrified of fire but are still forced to jump through fire rings
• circuses travel 48 weeks per year, 26 hours animals are in cages during transport 
• Every major circus that uses animals has been cited for violating minimal standards in the U.S Animal Welfare Act. 
• 96% of animals live is spent in cages
• Since 1990 there have been over 123 cases of lion attacks at circuses 
• Animals are trained through discipline

Although having animals in the circus enhances the experiences, their medical stability is not worth being damaged for the entertainment of the audience. 

Over time, circus' have created better living conditions for the circus animals but they are still on the path of perfecting appropriate lifestyles for the animals. 

Ways that they can work on further improving the conditions include: less cages, more open space for the animals to roam, no shackles and not making animals go against natural instincts, for example, as stated above, tigers have a fear of fire yet they are forced to jump through fire hoops.

Themed Circus'

Over the years the perspective on circus' have changed. Through the 1800's circus' traditionally consisted of an animal trainer, trapeze artists, fire breathers, type-rope walkers and a ringleader. Usually located in a large striped tent.

The cliché has changed over time due to the urbanisation of circus traditions. No longer do they have fake looking weight lifters or bearded women but talented contortionists and trapeze artists that will amaze the audiences with their amazing skills. New circus themes that are trending include Steampunk, Gothic, Urban and Traditional.

Different Types of Circus'

You may have this vision of red and white tents and lions jumping through hoops in mind but that is just one type of circus, for example let me introduce you to Circus Solarus. They work at street events and festivals promoting sustainability to the new generation of kids, they explore fun and interesting ways to convey a message.
They can often be found dressing up in crazy costumes made out of recycled materials from places such as Reverse Garbage. As you can see they are the fashion icons of the future.

Circus solaris website.