THE FANTASTIC GRIFIZZI BROTHERS: THE STORY OF THE MOON. Conceptualised by Richard Griffin and directed by Marc Colli in association with Christine Chapman and Heidi Schmitz. Costume design by Nicky Smuts. With Lilian Khumalo, Carmen Maarman, Gilberto Salgueiro Filho, Jonathan De Lima Sbano, Rory Avenstrup and more.
KAREN RUTTER reviews
There are few pleasures that compare with watching the face of a five-year-old enjoying his first circus show. So big up to The Fantastic Grifizzi Brothers for making it possible, on a magical field in Fish Hoek.
This bunch of bohemian gypsies have taken over a sports pitch and transformed it into a place of fun and festivity – or, as they call it, a “winter garden of delights”. It consists of a circle of food and drink caravans, and within this colourful laager kids can get their faces painted, ride on a bungee trampoline or meet a fireman, not to mention stuff their little faces with typical circus food – popcorn, hotdogs, waffles and candy.
But it’s not all about the kids, which makes things comfy for accompaning adults. Included in the circle are funky pop-up diners serving grown-up delights such as limoncello, and the Bohemian Bus Restaurant and Bar where you can enjoy a full-on meal sitting upstairs on this double-decker eatery. Bubbly, shots and R10 beer and wine specials are all on the bill.
‘The Story of the Moon’
Apart from this fabulous garden of fun, there’s the small top where a special circus show is played out, sometimes three times daily, depending on the date. The Story of the Moon is told by a host of entertainers who use acrobatics, singing, drumming, contortion, slapstick comedy and even a quick change act to spin their tale in two acts.
The show uses traditional circus techniques – clowns throwing “water” at the audience, ever-smiling aerialists – as part of the show, and the sawdust ring is as classic as it gets. But there are also contemporary touches which make The Story of the Moon delightfully more progressive – such as, instead of a ringmaster, the vivacious Lilian Khumalo runs things as Mama Circus. And Jonathan De Lima Sbano as the Clown is cute rather than creepy (I don’t know how many adults I’ve met who’ve said their childhood memories of circus clowns are not happy ones). Likewise the Strong Man, played by Gilberto Salgueiro Filho, who keeps things slapstick to the shrieks of the little ones.
The storyline is simple, enabling the host of performers to strut their stuff within a loose narrative. And the characters are endearing, notably the Moon herself, and Zelda the cloth Zebra (note – this is a strictly animal-free circus!). Judging by the audience response, I would say the show is suitable for children aged from 3 up to around 11 or 12, and is endearingly sweet. As mentioned, the five-year-old we took was totally entranced. Don’t go expecting a Moscow Circus-style extravaganza – this is much more down home, and delightful because if it.
The Fantastic Grifizzi Brothers is a new concept dreamed up by Richard Griffin, whom many know from his Madame Zingara days of splendour. Apparently the encampment in Fish Hoek will expand over the next few weeks with more funky caravans and tents hosting live music and more, before the whole bang shoot embarks on a national tour. It makes for a great school holiday outing – set aside a couple of hours and catch ‘em while you can.
What: The Fantastic Grifizzi Brothers
Where and when: The Fish Hoek Athletics Club until 23 July
The Story of the Moon is presented Thursdays at 2pm and 5pm, Fridays at 2pm and 5pm, Saturdays at 11am, 2pm and 5pm and on Sundays at 11am, 2pm and 5pm. Tickets, costing R120pp online or at the entrance, will grant visitors access to the two-act Moon show and the circus garden, and include a complimentary glass of bubbly for the adults and a balloon and a sweetie for the little ones on arrival. Additional activities like the popular bungee trampoline costs R40 per child (age 3 to 12) for five minutes, and face painting costs R30pp. Between 4pm and 6pm, beer will be served at R10 a glass.
Book: www.thegrifizzibrothers.com or call the box office on 071 400 2250
WS
