Kicking up the sand practising circus arts on the beach near his home in Conakry, Guinea in the 1990s, Yamoussa Bangoura’s dreams went far beyond his own success. Working his way up through the finest circus companies in the world and eventually opening his own in 2007, Bangoura seized every opportunity to share his platform and learnings with the community of his West African home. Now based in Montreal as the artistic director of Kalabanté Productions, Bangoura is at the forefront in developing young African circus talent and sharing it with the world.

Drawing on the Nyamakala tradition of circus practiced in West Africa and his experience in Guinea’s Circus Baobob and Canada’s Cirque Eloize, Bangoura and his troupe have perfected a hectic blend of acrobatics, music and choreography which takes contemporary circus to dizzying new levels of fun.  

In Afrique en Cirque a handful of daring acrobats, accompanied by skilled musicians, perform authentic and original choreography to the pulsating rhythm of the djembes of Guinea, celebrating the diversity of traditional African arts whilst sweeping viewers into a wildly good time. From the explosive drumming to the serene twang of the Kora, music is at the heart of this showcase of strength, agility and joy. 

Best seat availability in the 12.30 pm performance on 15 January.

RIVERSIDE'S FESTIVAL GARDENS

During January, Riverside’s courtyard will be transformed into a tropical festival garden featuring live DJs, a pop-up bar and street food throughout Sydney Festival.

Come early or stay after the show for a drink and free music.

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