AFTER a two-year absence, the enthralling dining and cirque entertainment offering Madame Zingara, is all set to return to Durban, boasting an all-new show and some exclusive international acts just for the local run here.
In an interview with Tonight, Madame Zingara PR and media liaison, Olivia van den Heever, said it would be an entirely fresh experience.
The After Forever tour has run for a year in Cape Town. It is just about wrapping up in Joburg and makes its way to Durban in January.
“It’s going to be completely different to what Durban has seen from us before.
“It is still a four-course meal and show, and the same kind of fun, friendly atmosphere, but the actual acts are all different. We are expecting some new international acts which are to arrive, who will be exclusive to Durban.
“These include Ethiopian foot jugglers who are Guinness World Record holders. They do something that is almost like human juggling where they juggle each other with their feet.
“It is quite a fun, high-energy act. We also have the Argentinian Gauchos, who perform the traditional Boleadora dance, bringing South America to the stage. Flamenco dance coupled with drum beats and staccato rhythm, created completely by the sound of the hand-held bollas hitting the floor, is a high-energy performance not to be missed.
“The Russian Bar is where grace, poise, balance and precision are essential parts of executing this dangerous cirque discipline. Our Ukrainian artist flies to great heights, pirouetting and somersaulting mid-air, only to land on to a 15cm-wide balance beam, perfectly and elegantly every time. Your jaw will drop! Romance personified, is the best way to describe our aerial act.
“The intense passion and intertwining of the masculine and feminine is electric and resonates through the air. This haunting display of skill, agility and chemistry is performed by Beth and Martin, our talented love duo,” said Van den Heever, adding that there were loads more highlights to the new show.
Housed in one of the last remaining mirror tents in the world, Van den Heever said while the antique venue holds its vintage core, the theme of the show is very different to previous years.
“We have a big tree that is put inside the tent and it has a kind of magical forest feel to it. It will be like you are walking into an enchanted forest with a completely transformed outside area.”
Commenting on the food, Van den Heever said while the Durban menu was still being finalised, their unique and popular chocolate-chilli fillet is still on the menu, with options for vegetarians and fish lovers.
She said tickets had gone on sale and were already selling fast: “We absolutely love Durban. It is probably the highlight for the staff. We love being here, it’s our favourite city. Of all of our tour stopovers, Durban is our fastest-selling city. The last time we were here, we were so overwhelmed by the response that we ended up working something like 54 shows in a row, just to be able to accommodate all the bookings. So we are really excited to be coming back after such a long time.”
According to a press release, audiences can also expect mind-bending contortion, the hilarious antics of Hot Mr C and his tiny companion the Absinthe Fairy, and Madame Zingara’s very own songbirds The Specifics.
• The After Forever tour opens at the end of January. Tickets are now on sale, ranging from R390 to R495 a person, depending on seating area. VIP party packages and overnight stays are also available.
For more info and bookings, call 0861 623 263 or e-mail [email protected]
More info is also available at theatreofdreams.madamezingara.com