A showcase of wild African music, dance & performance

MANILA, Philippines - For the first time in Manila, Cirque Mother Africa created by professional acrobat Winston Ruddle will dazzle and mesmerize audiences with wild African music, dance and performance in a two-hour showcase.

The series of performances will start from April 19 to 22 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

Having performed in sold-out shows staged in Germany, Italy, Romania, Russia, Netherlands, Australia, Belgium and Spain, Cirque Mother Africa will tantalize audiences in Manila with a unique African-themed spectacle.

Dancers, percussionists, singers, acrobats and contortionists take to the stage in a celebration of the culture of the traditional and modern African arts and culture.

The heartbeat of Africa pulsates throughout the jaw-dropping show as the musicians and artistes articulate their passion and love for their homeland including Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Benin, Zimbabwe and Guinea.

The innovative show combines the talents from nine African countries to provide the wonder, suspense and joy of Cirque Mother Africa.

The show is a delight for the senses with items spun through the air, bodies contorted into mind-boggling shapes, and performers balance on other performers, percussionists beat up a storm of sound and traditional dancers tell their own stories. The audience will be overwhelmed by the complexity and versatility of these world-class acts.

Masks, drums, beads and amazing costumes all bring forth the feel of authentic African traditions.

(Tickets are available at selected National Book Stores, Robinsons Department Stores, Cinema Lobby Greenbelt 1 and Trinoma. For details, call 891-9999. Enjoy a 15-percent discount from Feb. 7 to 20 by calling 0916-3403919 or 0921-5642108.)