New Vic to Present MOTHER AFRICA, 12/6-1/5

Merry and bright, Mother Africa will shine on 42nd Street in a powerful performance of stunning African artistry when Circus Der Sinne makes its U.S. Premiere from December 6, 2013 - January 5, 2014 at The New Victory Theater, New York City's premier performing arts venue for kids and families. Featuring a diverse cast from different countries throughout the African continent, Mother Africa mixes modern circus arts with traditional African dance and music.

Based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Circus Der Sinne's Mother Africa features a cast of more than two dozen acrobats, musicians and dancers who will fill the New Victory stage with breathtaking feats, exuberant afro-beats and a swirl of colorful bazin and kitenge fabrics. Rare acts like the thrilling Icarian Games from Ethiopia, in which foot jugglers toss fellow acrobats into the air, join crowd favorites like a chair stack from Tanzania, and a contortionist from Kenya described as "the most flexible man in the world." A live band keeps the party going with every strike of the congos and strum of the mbira, while stilt dancers, gumboot steppers and a marvel of traditional masks showcase Africa's expressive dance culture. Rich in rhythm and robust in song, Mother Africa has earned rave reviews around the globe and has performed for nearly 1 million people worldwide since the show's debut in 2006.

The performers of Circus Der Sinne, which means "Circus of Joy" received their training at director Winston Ruddle's African Acrobatic Academy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, which has an open door policy-anyone can join, watch and audition. Young people who exhibit significant talent are invited to study a suitable artistic discipline and participate in a program where all materials, meals and daily transportation to and from the school are paid for by the Academy. Over the years, Ruddle has trained over 150 young African performers, and for most of them, the African Acrobatic Academy is an opportunity to escape the poverty of their homeland. The young performers' dedication to their art form and cultural heritage translates into an effusive and seemingly inexhaustible joy for performance, hence the company's name. Additionally, the academy supports social aid projects in Africa, such as Karl-Heinz Böhm's Menschen für Menschen ("Humans for Humans"), which provides social aid to Ethiopia.

Directed by co-founder Winston Ruddle and produced by co-founder Hubert Schober, Mother Africa is choreographed by Sibongile Prudence, Clive Madlala and Mduduzi Magagula, with music direction by Finn Martin. Lighting design is by Daniel Volk and costumes are by Tsendbjamba Erdeneshoo and Tumaini Mutru. The talented performers are Jean Marc Kouassi Agbogba, Tomas Teka Alemu, Tamrat Yemane Ayalew, Christina Jacob Benedict, Benick Pompido Dominick, Adama Doumbouya, Baraka Juma Ferouz, Roy Gregory Figueiredo, Yusuphu Ramadhani Fuko, Merherete Yeshewamebrat Kassa, Clive Madlala, Mduduzi Magagula, Silethemba Magonya, Nurdini Athumani Makimu, Nomathamsanqa Treatie Mkwananzi, Khamis Suleiman Mlenge, Theresa Makaita Muteta, Lazarus Gitu Mwangi, Richard Leonard Mwanisawa, Bizimana Emmanuel Ntavyo, Omary Ramadhani Omary, Fadhili Ramadhani Rashidi, Wubshet Amare Sahale, Sewasew Alemu Truneh, Ibrahim H.Mussa Tulwo and Stephen Gambo William.

Performance Schedule: 30 performances

Friday 12/6 7pm

Saturday 12/7 2pm and 7pm

Sunday 12/8 12pm and 5pm

Friday 12/13 7pm

Saturday 12/14 2pm and 7pm

Sunday 12/15 12pm and 5pm

Friday 12/20 7pm

Saturday 12/21 2pm and 7pm

Sunday 12/22 12pm and 5pm

Thursday 12/26 2pm and 7pm

Friday 12/27 2pm and 7pm

Saturday 12/28 2pm and 7pm

Sunday 12/29 12pm and 5pm

Thursday 12/31 2pm

Wednesday 1/1 2pm

Friday 1/3 7pm

Saturday 1/4 2pm and 7pm

Sunday 1/5 12pm and 5pm

Mother Africa has a running time of 90 minutes including one intermission and is recommended for everyone ages five and older.

General Ticket Information

Tickets for Mother Africa at The New Victory Theater (209 West 42nd Street) cost $36, $22, $14 and $11 for Members based on seat locations, with full price tickets starting at $17.

Theater-goers who buy tickets for three or more New Victory shows qualify for free Membership, with benefits including 35-percent savings on tickets all season long and unlimited free ticket exchanges. Purchase tickets online or by phone at 646-223-3010. The New Victory Theater box office (209 West 42nd Street) is open Sunday and Monday from 11am-5pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm-7pm. For more information, visit the New Victory website.

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