Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Cirque Kalabanté: WOW (World of Words)

 
Ross Anthony Review by Ross Anthony 3 Published: 5 Aug 2025 Assembly Hall Show Dates: 31 Jul 2025-25 Aug 2025

Cirque Kalabanté: WOW (World of Words) is a great show that features a vivid African soundscape and an ensemble cast which will delight families – especially those with younger children.

Children will be wowed and families pleased with what they receive here

The titular World of Words features relatively few words, but makes up for it with traditional music that resonates strongly throughout the performance. If anything, this feels more like a dance show than a series of circus acts.

Yamoussa Bangoura takes centre stage as the presenter-come-storyteller, and he plays well to the crowd with his personable delivery of call and response, as well as the few lines of dialogue or introduction. I found the call and response became a little repetitive, but families will love this element – the entire crowd was happily clapping along and getting involved to the rich beats of the drum.

Personally, I found there wasn’t quite enough variety for a show billed as a cirque. The cast leans heavily towards acrobatics – impressive, yes – but there are fewer circus skills on display than I would have liked. That said, children will be wowed and families pleased with what they receive here. It reminds me heavily of Black Blues Brothers – another show at Assembly – but geared towards a less niche audience.

The highlight of Cirque Kalabanté was Mohamed Ben Sylla, who blended contortionism with his acrobatics, especially in a memorable rope act. He brought humour and dazzling feats that truly set him apart from the rest of the cast.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

Wow. A World of Words. A brand-new dynamic, acrobatic and colourful hour combining African and Western culture, from the company behind the sell-out show Afrique en Cirque. Two groups on stage separated by a line... a fear between them is transformed into a desire to share. A beautiful conclusion of unity and respect. Prepare oneself for exciting aerial acts, jaw dropping acrobatics, a human pyramid and a dash of comedy... Part of Spotlight Canada 2025, supported by the High Commission of Canada and The Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation.