Urban dance circus heading to SA

Directed by Jeannot Painchaud, the show is certain to dazzle audiences with a high-energy blend of acrobatics, street dance and hip-hop.

The show will be brought to our shores by Showtime Management, which was also responsible for bringing out Eminem, Tap Dogs and Mamma Mia!.

“[The show] has been enjoyed by more than 400 000 spectators in nearly 600 performances in 50 cities in 12 countries,” said promoter Hazel Feldman.

“In this show, the contemporary circus world meets the world of urban dances.”

Set in an inner-city landscape, iD explores themes of identity, individuality and autonomy in a culture where the same values are expressed through different codes.

“[The] runaway success of the show in London says it all – this is a unique and massively exciting show for the whole family; kind of Tap Dogs on steroids,” said Feldman.

iD features a cast of 15 acrobats and performers, and incorporates multimedia elements and a rock- and electronica-inspired soundtrack composed by Jean-Phi Goncalves and Alex McMahon.

Painchaud said it would be a pleasure to bring the show, with its colour, passion and energy to Joburg.

“With iD, we’ve… combined different art forms – this time urban dances – to infuse their energy and edginess to the acrobatic performances,” he said.

“Now imagine two rival gangs, sharing a public place at the heart of the city, and seeking to express their identity and individuality, and you have iD.”

Since its 1993 foundation, Cirque Éloize has become a leader in contemporary circus arts through innovative productions that combine the circus with theatre, dance and music.

The Canadian company also struck up a partnership with Cirque du Soleil, based on a common creative vision and international appeal.

Cirque Éloize’s iD will run from 19 August for a limited season at the Teatro at Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways.

Details: www.computicket.com; www.montecasino.co.za

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