Interview: Rhapsody brings to the stage the culture of the Cape, diversity of South Africa and the spirit of Zip Zap Circus

Interview: Rhapsody brings to the stage the culture of the Cape, diversity of South Africa and the spirit of Zip Zap Circus- philharmonic circus show in Cape Town and Europe

Cape Town’s Zip Zap Circus celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year- 2022 – and its epic scale show, Rhapsody –is part of its birthday celebrations. This philharmonic circus show features a 17 piece band and vocalists.  Rhapsody will be on in Paris at the Cirque Phénix [November 19 2022 to January 20, 2023.] Zip Zap then tours France and Europe and wraps up in Geneva, Switzerland on February 12, 2023. Before the European tour, Rhapsody will be staged in Cape Town, in the Artscape Opera House [November 3-6, 2022- six shows only].

Zip Zap Circus was founded in 1992, by Brent van Rensburg and Laurence Estève who hails from France. Together they have built up the incredible Zip Zap which has received acclaim international at prestigious circus competitions and events. Brent van Rensburg, who is artistic director of Zip Zap, is thrilled that Rhapsody will be presented in Cape Town, before the international tour. This is the first time that the professional company of Zip Zap Circus is embarking on an international tour. The other international tours have been with students and the younger contingent of Zip Zap.

Zip Zap in Paris

Is this the first time that Zip Zap will be on at Cirque Phénix? How did this three-month season come about? It must be thrilling to be performing at Cirque Phénix – with its huge luxury circus tent?

Brent van Rensburg: Zip Zap has performed acts at Cirque Phénix before. However, Rhapsody marks the first full production that Zip Zap will stage at Cirque Phénix. As to how the Paris season came about, the directors of Cirque Phénix travelled to South Africa in 2021 to watch- Journey Returns– Zip Zap’s big band show. They loved the show and booked us for Cirque Phénix -the biggest dome-style circus tent in Europe. It is a 5 000-seater and it certainly needs a big show such as Rhapsody.

Creating Rhapsody

Rhapsody is Journey Returns – taken to another level. Is there something “new” that will be featured in Rhapsody?

Brent van Rensburg: For Rhapsody, the dance and acrobatic choreography and song choices are new. All the acts have been revamped for this show.

The rapture of Rhapsody

Is the concept of ‘rapture’, ‘bliss’ core to the production? Please tell us about the conceptual arc behind this production?

Brent van Rensburg:  Indeed, it is. The show is a celebration: Rhapsody is a celebration of being back on stage after two years of no performances, due to COVID-19.

Rhapsody heralding Zip Zap’s 30^th birthday

Rhapsody is part of Zip Zap’s 30-year anniversary celebrations. Very exciting. Three decades on the circus boards. Is Rhapsody, the most ambitious Zip Zap show, up to now?

Brent van Rensburg:  Yes, absolutely. This is the first professional touring show for Zip Zap. Rhapsody brings to the stage the culture of the Cape, the diversity of South Africa and the spirit of Zip Zap – something different!

Philharmonic circus

What is a “philharmonic circus”? There is live music accompanying the circus?

Brent van Rensburg: Philharmonic circus refers to the collaboration between circus arts and the rhythm section of the orchestra. Yes, Rhapsody includes live music. The musicians provide live music on stage as part of the performance.

Circus art and music – no words required

Is this a non-verbal production- ie no dialogue or voice over? Insights into the playlist of songs?

Brent van Rensburg: Yes, this show is a non-verbal production with live music. The circus art and music are the main features of the show. The playlist features hits from a range of musical genres. Hits from Elton John, Tina Turner, South African favourites Mango Groove and Johnny Clegg. A number of other artists are also featured.  The 14-piece troupe of musicians is led by conductor Chad Hendricks and Cape Town vocalists, Janine and Riyaan Cornelius.

Creative team

Who is directing and in the creative team?

Brent van Rensburg: I am directing the show with two co-directors- Sabine van Rensburg (SA/ France) and Ruben Ingwersen (Australia).  There are international performers. The dance choreography is by renowned choreographer Adele Blank and Sabine van Rensburg [Sabine is the daughter of Brent van Rensburg and Laurence Estève and an alumnus of Zip Zap]. Sabine designed the costumed and did most of the lighting design.

Zip Zap on the fly to Paris

How many in the Rhapsody contingent, is going to Paris and for the rest of the tour? I take it that you take your own team in terms of rigging etc?

Brent van Rensburg: The Rhapsody cast includes 17 circus artists, 14 musicians, a conductor and two vocalists. They will all travel to Paris after the show run at Artscape is completed. Yes, the Rhapsody team does its own rigging.

✳ This interview has been marginally edited for length and clarity. Images by Joan Ward -supplied. Related coverage on TheCapeRobyn: https://thecaperobyn.co.za/preview-zip-zaps-philharmonic-circus-show-rhapsody-on-stage-at-artscape-before-travelling-to-paris/