Winston Ruddle Cirque Africa Interview

Winston Ruddle Cirque Africa Interview

This June, Cirque Africa brings the world's best circus acts from Africa to the Australian stage for the very first time. Cirque Africa is a world-renowned acrobatic circus performance that is unparalleled in its energy and excitement. Produced and directed by -Papa Africa' aka Winston Ruddle, the show is a combination of acrobatics, theatre, song and dance.

This December, Cirque Africa brings the world's best circus acts from Africa to the Australian stage in Geelong for the very first time. Cirque Africa is a world-renowned acrobatic circus performance that is unparalleled in its energy and excitement. Having toured the globe, it arrived in Australia for the first time in June, playing to sold out crowds throughout Melbourne. It is now set to surprise and delight the audiences of Geelong! Produced and directed by -Papa Africa' aka Winston Ruddle, the show is a combination of acrobatics, theatre, song and dance. Cirque Africa is a celebration of African culture, both new and old and has been described as the -greatest show from Africa'.

The 90 minute show begins on Wednesday the 16th of December at the Geelong Show Ground. It will remain there throughout December and January, before continuing its two year trek across Australia.

Ticketek will be selling all advance tickets. For more information on the show and how to book tickets please visit www.cirqueafrica.com.au. Ticket prices vary depending on seating area.

Interview with Winston Ruddle

Question: What should audiences expect from Cirque Africa?

Winston Ruddle: Audiences should expect a 90 minute show of exciting and fun African circus acts. Cirque Africa is like no other circus in the world - the energy and the excitement is what makes the show different from any other circus or cirque show that has ever performed in Australia. 80% of the acts have never been performed in Australia before making the show afresh feast for the senses.


Question: Can you talk about the acrobatic performances involved in a Cirque Africa show?

Winston Ruddle: Some of the notable performers include but are not limited to; The Amazing Hakuna Matata Acrobats who are the largest African acrobatic group in the world, Emmanuel Laryea, Zaina Shabani, The Charming Wubshet Amare, Baraka Juma, Selemani Musa, Ibrahim Tulwo, The Sound of the Drums from Ivory Coast, Jean-Marc Kouassi Agbogba, Yetnayet Melese & Asmare Nega, Lidiya Dawed & Tegegn Shewalem, Ebrima Mbye, Lazarus Mwangi, Teame Gebregziabher Ersie, Leul & Nahom and Fadhili Ramadhani & Omary Ramadhani - all acts are backed by an 8 piece live orchestra from Zanzibar and Zimbabwe, playing live music composed just for the Australian tour.


Question: Where do you find your inspiration when directing?

Winston Ruddle: I find the inspiration from everyday life in Africa which I try to incorporate in every act as much as I can.


Question: How does Cirque Africa differ from other Cirque shows?

Winston Ruddle: The first main difference is that Cirque Africa is uniquely an African production with the entire cast from Africa. The show differs in the way we present the acts, the music, the costumes and the presentation – every part of the show is authentically African. Our energy is also unparalleled and it is that core element that makes the experience so unforgettable for the audience.


Question: How did you go about auditioning the performers for this show?

Winston Ruddle: For this show I did have to work very hard auditioning artists because I knew I wanted the best of the best – some of which I've been lucky enough to have worked with for many years.


Question: Can you talk us through the rehearsal process for a show, such as this?

Winston Ruddle: The rehearsal process started in Africa where we have the Cirque Africa acrobatic school. This is where we create ideas and new choreography for each act. At the same time in another venue we composed the music for each act and then finally we combined the music with the act which was a very time consuming process. Then lastly, we designed the lavish costumes for each act.


Question: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Winston Ruddle: We always get together in a big circle and hold hands while we pray for the safe running of the show. Then we shout, scream and generally make a lot of noise to build up our energy!

Question: What are you most looking forward to about performing in Australia?

Winston Ruddle: This is the first time the show will be performing in a big top so this is very exciting for us because every performance we've done has always been in a theatre. This will be a very different experience for us! The tour is also a long one as we will be journeying across Australia for a period of two years so we're really looking forward to seeing new cities and performing for brand new audiences.


Interview by Brooke Hunter