Asian Media Access has had the pleasure to be invited to the opening night of MOYA, presented by Zip Zap Circus and staged at the Children’s Theater Company. MOYA, meaning “Spirit,” tells the real story of a young man’s journey from humble beginnings to performing star, set against the background of Cape Town, South Africa. Alongside circus acts we all know and love, like juggling, aerial routines, and unicycle-riding, Zip Zap incorporates distinctive aspects of South African culture into the performance. MOYA’s original soundtrack incorporates elements of spoken word, blues, and hip hop, while also drawing upon the diversity of South Africa to establish a multilingual and heterogenous musical sound. One of the standout and unique acts of the show is also distinctively South African. Known as a “gumboot dance,” performers donned a pair of rubber boots that they stomped and slapped, creating a fast-paced, rhythmic beat that energized the theater. This dance is deeply rooted in South African history through its origins from Black South African mine workers, who used their boots to communicate in an environment where they were forbidden from speaking.
On top of the creative and culturally distinct production, the performers must also be praised. Every one flowed seamlessly between routines of group acrobatics to solo performances of their particular talent, treating the audience to breathtaking acts from aerial silks to handstanding on rotating canes. A personal favorite of mine was the Cyr wheel act. Regardless, each performer brought an incredible energy to the stage—their confidence and the joy they took in performing for the audience came across loud and clear. Seeing the pride and enjoyment the performers took in the fruits of their hard work certainly elevated the experience for me, making the show truly feel like a shared experience between audience and performer. It also didn’t hurt that Zip Zap had arranged for pre- and post-show opportunities to meet the performers, allowing audience members to share a brief moment of personal connection. MOYA has already been well-received (winning three times at the first International Circus Film Awards), and we can only wait with excitement to see how it and Zip Zap Circus continues to grow. It would be a pleasure to see a Black woman take to the stage in the future!
MOYA is a family-friendly production suitable for all ages, with accommodations for those with sensory sensitivities. The show will run from September 12-October 20, 2024, at the CTC (2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404). Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online at the CTC website or by calling their box office.
