MOYA — A Review

“MOYA” at the Children’s Theatre is a captivating, high-energy show that people of all ages will enjoy. “MOYA” is visually stunning, technically impressive, and barely over an hour long with no intermission. Because of this, it is great for a young audience that might not have the attention span for a full play. It’s also great for anyone — like myself — who wants to take the kids out for ice cream after the show.

Zip Zap Circus is the non-profit organization behind “MOYA”. It was founded just over thirty years ago in South Africa. Zip Zap Circus provides free training to young people and is funded by donations and income from its performances and tours. “MOYA” (which means “spirit”) was first imagined during the COVID lockdowns and was created as a film. It was a successful attempt to continue creating and sharing circus acts during a time when live performances were impossible and has only recently been reimagined as a piece of live theater.

“MOYA” is technically a piece of narrative theater, but only just. It is primarily a series of circus acts, all of which are heavily influenced by the South African roots of Zip Zap Circus. The story centers a troubled young man who is inspired by circus performers. He betters his life by befriending them and learning how to do what they do. Acts include aerial acrobatics, a cyr wheel, juggling, jump rope, unicycles and more. There are music and dance incorporated into most of the acts, and themes of liberation and empowerment are a powerful connecting thread throughout. You’ll even get the chance to see a gumboot dance, which originated in gold mines under the South African Apartheid.

I attended “MOYA” with two of my nieces (elementary and middle school-aged) and knew immediately that I wanted to come again — probably with a group of adults. You know a show is good when you are only halfway through the performance and are already itching to buy another ticket.

I recommend “MOYA” for people who like circus, dance, and intermission-less theater.

“MOYA” by Zip Zap Circus will play from September 12 to October 20, 2024.

Tickets may be purchased online at childrenstheatre.org/zipzap or by calling the Ticket Office at (612) 874-0400.