We are talking to Orlando Vargas, founder of The Cirk, and trying to stay focused as figures are leaping all around us, performing acrobatic moves, shimmying up the pole that towers over us in the centre of the stage. At the same time, it’s the Paris Olympics, Simone Biles has just made headlines with her gold medal performance, and we have become more mindful of the intensity of what the body is capable of, the sheer wonder of acrobatics, and the elegance of the physical form moving in ways that only a trained gymnast can.
Chilean-born Vargas began his career as a circus performer in 2001 after having been accepted to a four-year course at El Circo del Mundo, a professional circus school in Chile. Trained as a circus artist and a rigger, Vargas has worked on productions in countries as far afield as Venezuela, Zambia, The UAE, and Australia. In 2004 and 2007 he was part of a youth delegation at the Oxfam International Youth Parliament by invitation of Cirque du Soleil, the Canadian-founded circus school that has become a global household name.
In 2006 Vargas moved to Cape Town and if you were lucky to have ever attended a performance by Madame Zingara, you might have seen him in action. His brother, Marco joined him, then aged 17. Now the family is based in Joburg, where they operate The Cirk, as well as the Jozi Circus School, and The Cirk Theatre.
Curious, we ask him, “What makes people want to run away to the circus?” It’s always been something that has intrigued us, fuelled by many books from childhood with this theme.
He says: “I think everybody has that fantasy inside of them, that curiosity to explore that artistic part [of themselves] and run away from everyday life. You know what I love about the circus? It is the place of outsiders, the people who don't fit into society. It's a place for everyone and a window to the artistic world.”
On coming to South Africa he adds: “We noticed there was a lot of talent, but no place to train those talents. So that is why we opened Jozi Circus School (a not-for-profit organisation).” The circus school offers classes and training, and according to Vargas, it does not make money, but it pays the teachers and attracts talent.
With their own 220-seater theatre based at Cresta Shopping Centre, The Cirk has a constant programme of productions and also focuses on corporate work which is the backbone of their support.
He points out that the team who make up The Cirk come from vastly different backgrounds. “Some are from townships; some have jobs as accountants or lawyers. You have different colours and people from different income groups all in one place. And that's what makes the circus so unique.”
For Urban Circus at Teatro Montecasino, The Cirk will perform to thousands of people, making it an enormous change from their regular venue. The stage is almost quadruple the size of their usual stage, which means that the physical energy needed for Urban Circus has to quadruple too.
We are two hours into rehearsal, and they must be exhausted by the effort, but it doesn’t show. There is incredible enthusiasm as all members of the cast seem to have a view on the staging of this production. They seem more of a family than a group of professional performers.
It’s fascinating to watch how they work with a lead choreographer in place – but all performers are involved in working out what will suit the production best. As they discuss staging and positions, very few people stand still for any amount of time. You can see the energy willing itself to break loose, from little hops on the stage to twirls and jumps to throwing themselves down a six-metre pole headfirst. Even without the lights and costumes, it is electric.
Urban Circus is the story of a city – and it is as high energy. The show was created as a collaboration between The Cirk and Cirque du Soleil alumnus Daniel Buckland. Expect music that will make you want to move, dizzying feats, acrobatics, juggling, and incredible movement as the cast dances you through 11 pieces, each following the journey of a character through urban life. With an equal measure of thrills and moments of danger, this is an acrobatic approach to city life that is fun, and full of excitement.
Spending time with The Cirk is infectious. Everyone seems to pour so much joyous energy into what is no doubt incredibly challenging physical work.
We managed to catch up with performer Carmen Jooste, a trained rhythmic gymnast who gave up her professional career. “My coach told me about The Cirk after I quit. I felt empty without my sport, and then I found the circus and thought this is everything I love in one place.”
She says: “Urban Circus is where city life meets theatre meets performance… It’s something that everyone can relate to, and I think anyone and everyone can enjoy it.”
We ask her about performing on the Teatro stage: “As a performer, and as a gymnast, you always dream about a big stage, and this is edging closer to your dreams.”
goes into it. Photo: Supplied.
Another performer we chat to, Lufuno Matodzi, shares that she learnt gymnastics as a child and had to stop because she couldn’t afford it. Her life-changing moment came when she saw a Cirk performer hang from a hula hoop. “I got so excited”, she says, and a career suggested itself.
What stands out most watching The Cirk at work is the camaraderie and the huge amount of trust between performers. This is the one place that if you fall there will always be outstretched arms to catch you, another performer reminds us. It’s almost hard to see why you wouldn’t want to join the circus.
Don’t miss The Urban Circus at The Teatro, Montecasino. Catch one of five shows from Fri, Sep 13 – Sun, Sep 15, 2024, and see the magic firsthand. Book your tickets here.
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