It’s a marvellous phenomenon when the hallowed grounds of education transform into a big-top tent the way Sandown High School field became Circus Galassia.
The event ran from December 15 until January 7 to such acclaim that an additional and final show was arranged for January 7.
Circus Galassia co-coordinator of events Karl Hildebrandt said most of the talent involved at the circus have been in the industry for nearly two decades and Galassia was a stage for performers to sharpen their crafts. Hildebrandt, respectfully, also emphasised that big-top circuses provide a whole different atmosphere in comparison to a circus-themed theatre production.
“Our big top is a platform for up-and-coming circus artists to figure out if this is what they enjoy, if they enjoy working in a tent,” said Hildebrandt.
Hildebrandt indicated that Sandton was a trial run for Circus Galassia, to see how the audience perceives and reacts to what their brand sells.
“There have been other all-human circuses that have entered the country that haven’t been able to reach the target market that they want. We are lucky to have a strong sense of the audience. We know what the community and what the circus viewer wants. So, after this run in Sandton, Circus Galassia will close until we’re ready to reboot.”
Circus Galassia ringmaster Joubert Jonker expressed how honoured he felt to have been invited to join the cast for this mostly sold-out run.
“It was about two weeks before Christmas that we started and I was privileged enough to be asked to step in as ringmaster,” said Jonker. “It’s been nothing but a superb and incredible pleasure and privilege to be amongst these insane artists.”
The circus was as-advertised: from Carlos Castilo the juggling maestro, and jester Mohammed Abaram with Clerece van der Westhuizen who danced with and inside a net elevated above the ground. There was an acrobatic routine by performer Samantha Kotze; Marcello the Clown and his human camel, and the daredevil stunts performed by Castilo and his brother Javier: elevated balancing, a giant, rotating balance wheel and, the main event, motorcycling inside the Cage of Steel.
Rikus de la Guerra spoke about the recruitment process for the circus.
“The circus is always on the lookout for aerial artists and such. A lot of the people here are from Brazil, Mexico, and Italy,” said De La Guerra. “A lot of people are just lucky, like me, who just met them by chance and just got along.”
Related links: The Zip Zap circus returns
