IN PICTURES: Behind the scenes with Zip Zap Circus
Photographer Michel Bega goes backstage and attends a recent rehearsal of Zip Zap Circus's MOYA production.
Aerial performer Bridgette Berning discovered circus at Sisonke, an after-school circus programme created by a Zip Zap alumnus, in Stellenbosch. In this show Berning performs trapeze and silk acts.
The Zip Zap Circus spectacular, MOYA – which means Spirit – tells the story of the non-profit organization’s roots which opened its doors to thousands of South African youths completely free of charge over the last 31 years, offering an opportunity to transform lives through artistry.
Luqmaan Benjamin poses for a photograph in costume backstage. Benjamin performs as an acrobat, porter, and dancer in MOYA. He had ambitions of becoming a football player but lost interest when he discovered acrobatics and tricking at the age of 17. In 2020 he discovered Zip Zap Circus during a flash mob performance in Cape Town City Centre, and joined its vocational programme, Dare2Dream. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenAerial performer Bridgette Berning stretches on stage before rehearsals. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenJason Barnard is seen during rehearsals with Jacobus Claassen standing on his head. Barnard joined Zip Zap when he was eight-years-old, for an initial 4 years, and returned when he was 19. As one of South Africa’s premier jugglers, Jason performs the only gravity-juggling act in the country. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenThe Moya cast throw Jacobus Claassen into the air during a rehearsal. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenThe MOYA cast seen from above the stage during a rehearsal. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenChalk is used to help the performers with grip. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenMatthew Risk rehearses on a unicycle on stage. Risk has been part of Zip Zap Circus since 2012. After he matriculated in 2020 he joined Zip Zap’s vocational programme. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenHandstand artist Masizakhe Kovi was part of Zip Zap’s Ibhongolwethu programme in Khayelitsha in 2015. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenJacobus Claassen takes part in a juggling act. Before finding the circus Claassen came from a life of drug use and living on the streets. A chance meeting with a good Samaritan led him to a shelter in Salt River. He was able to go to school and sleep with a roof over his head for the first time in years. At the shelter, children were given the opportunity to be part of Zip Zap’s 2nd Chance programme, which helped vulnerable youngsters develop their talents. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenMasizakhe Kovi photographed from backstage during rehearsals. Picture: Michel Bega/The CitizenThe MOYA cast members perform a stunt together. They recently impressed audiences during their successful tour of France and Switzerland with Zip Zap’s production Rhapsodie. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen
