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BY BILLY SUTER

GOOD news for Durban is that the city will be included on the South African tour by a Russian entertainment company specialising in circus acts performed in a novel setting – in or above a 12m-diameter pool featuring fountains.

Billed as Splash! – The Water Circus, the show will have a season at Krugersdorp’s Silverstar Casino from August 19 to September 17 before a countrywide tour continuing until January next year. Durban and other dates will only be confirmed next month – so watch this space!

The tour will mark the first visit to South Africa by a company that also offers a dazzling lighting and laser show to embellish on  the impressive body manipulation and contortion feats amongst a series of water fountains.

Onlookers are sure to gasp as they watch traditional aerial circus acts, such as spectacular work with silks, all taking place above water, says a spokesman.

Among an impressive list of circus acts is the Brazilian Espana family, performing their daredevil Wheel of Death, and The Russian Swing.

“In addition to all the circus acts which viewers are accustomed to seeing, the show also has a full team of synchronised swimmers who add to the magic of the performance. Their disciplined displays are one of the reasons why the show is considered to be so unique.”

This circus is totally free of animals. It showcases the extreme talent and capabilities of the human body in an action-packed show presented around the custom-built pool ensuring a truly memorable audience experience.

On April 17, 1998, the first Russian Water Circus was performed under the name Circus on Water. Since then, the creative team has continually developed new acts and shows which captivate and enthral families across the world.

Over the past 19 years, the Circus on Water team has toured Russia, Spain, France, Italy, Turkey, Israel, Oman, Lithuania, UAE and China.

The 130-minute show has not toured internationally since a major renovation in 2013 which piqued the interest of international producer Harry Weber and local producer Matthew Cook.

“Harry and I share a passion for circus, and when we decided that we wanted to work together, we looked for a show that would be so different to anything presented in South Africa before,” says Cook.

“We wanted to push the boundaries of circus and offer something unique. When we came across Circus on Water there was no doubt that we had to bring the show to South Africa.”

Over the past six months, teams in South Africa, New Zealand and Russia have been working on Splash! – The Water Circus, ensuring that only the most spectacular acts are seen on the South African tour.

Adds Weber: “We have selected the best acts to tour South Africa, and added some extreme acts which we know the South African audiences will love. The show, along with all the technical and artistic elements we have incorporated, is what will make Splash! a huge success”.

Performances at Silverstar Casino will be Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 11am, 3pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 11am and 3pm.

Ticket prices range from R100 to R375 and booking is at Computicket.