The National Theatre has unveiled the “Circus in Motion” festival, describing contemporary circus as a potential new career path for Nigerian performers while promoting cultural exchange and professional collaboration across Africa.
The festival, scheduled for Oct. 3 and 4 in Lagos, is organised by the National Theatre and sponsored by the European Union. National Theatre General Manager and CEO, Tola Akerele, said it is the first contemporary circus festival in West Africa and will feature free family-oriented performances, youth and community outreach, and professional development activities.
Akerele explained that contemporary circus uses human movement, acrobatics, dance and aerial performance rather than the animal acts traditionally associated with circus. She said Nigerian physical performance traditions could provide a foundation for developing original productions that combine local heritage with international techniques.
Practitioners from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal and Switzerland are collaborating on the initiative through training, mentorship and performance development. Slum Circus Founder and Artistic Director, Sanuel Udoh, said many Nigerian performers already possessed skills such as juggling, contortion and acrobatics but needed support to recognise their professional potential, while outreach programmes have introduced students in Oworonshoki and Bariga to creative career opportunities.
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