[imagesource: Zip-Zap.org]

Playwright George Bernard Shaw famously wrote, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”.

It was his way of capturing the essence of play as an essential part of maintaining youthful energy, creativity, and personal growth throughout our lives.

This same youthful energy and playful creativity is what you experience when you visit the Zip Zap Circus. It is a dream that started 32 years ago with just a trapeze bar, a costume box, and a rusty old car. Three decades later, their infectious joyfulness has enthralled audiences around the world.

“We had no idea it would become this big. All we had in those early days was our passion and a sense of purpose. The plan was to just find a way to use our experience in the circus world to bring kids together while they play,” explains co-founder Brent van Rensburg.

“It boils down to hope. We wanted to give children from all communities a sense of hope for the future. Nelson Mandela (at the time) spoke of the Rainbow Nation, and I think we wanted to play our part in making that hope for a better future become a reality. Turns out a simple activity such as juggling can play a big part!”

Brent describes Zip Zap as a ‘social circus’. The NPO sees 3000 children walk through its doors every year, and they are not asked to pay a single cent for the training and support they receive. The organisation runs various programmes that focus on youth development, social cohesion, and skills development.

We introduce them to every performing discipline in the circus and all the behind-the-scenes support work that makes a circus happen, and the students then decide which of these they pursue,” says Van Rensburg.

“We want them to see that the circus is so much more than just the performers that you see in the ring. It is a family of love and support and a community that bridges divides and builds friendships that can last a lifetime.”

 

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While not all the students at Zip Zap become professional performers, there is a cohort that has gone on to work with some of the best-known circus troupes around the world. Audiences have been blown away for over three decades by the immense talent that has been developed at the southern tip of Africa.

And after 32 years of fun and laughter and more summersaults and tightrope walks than anyone can probably remember, the show is nowhere near being finished.

“The festive season in Cape Town is filled with energetic excitement and an infectious buzz that announces the holidays are here. Visitors from all over will arrive in the city and we have something special planned for them,” says Van Rensburg.

In December, the team will be presenting a new production, A Piece of Us, at the Zip Zap Dome combining live music, designer costumes, recycled props, décor and visuals.

“A Piece of Us is more than just a show”, he adds. “It is the product of hard work from a young team of students from our full-time vocational training programme – Dare2Dream. They are not professional performers just yet, but they are well on their way and definitely dedicated to their art.”

 

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Van Rensburg says every ticket that they sell for their December show, will assist in keeping the dream alive.

“We love entertaining audiences of all ages, but Zip Zap is, at its core, about much more than just having fun as our students train in the Dome. Our students gain valuable life skills, including discipline, responsibility, and creativity, preparing them for diverse careers and personal success.

“As a unique South African institution, Zip Zap’s shows, workshops, and films enrich the cultural landscape, promoting local talent globally and our outreach and youth programmes contribute to safer, healthier communities, reducing crime and substance abuse by offering structured, positive alternatives,” he says.

“With your support, we can make their dreams soar.”

If you want to find out more about the Zip Zap Circus, check out their website.