Circus shows are performed in many countries all over the world. Many companies put on these shows, from major international ones like Cirque du Soleil, to smaller, more localised ones. New Zealand, like other places, typically offers a wide range of productions each year, with major companies coming in from abroad to put on performances and local companies touring the country. In this post, we’ll have a look at what the country’s main circus companies are and what they have to offer.
Circus Aotearoa
In case you’re wondering, Aotearoa is the name of New Zealand in the Maori language, which was spoken by the country’s indigenous population. Circus Aotearoa is a small, family-operated company that was set up in 2008 and specialises in putting on circus shows for the whole family. To make circus outings easier on parents, merchandise and souvenirs aren’t sold – the only things that can be bought on site are traditional snacks such as candy floss and popcorn.
Circus Aotearoa 10th Anniversary Video
The shows are modern and use today’s technology, but they have the traditions of the circus at their heart. They’re performed in canvas tents and have the audience seated around the central ring, with a ringmaster introducing the show and keeping everyone’s excitement levels up.
No animals are involved in any of the performances. The company has been completely anima;-free since it started because its founders don’t believe animal performances are necessary or right. Acts last no longer than five minutes, so the shows are suitable for those who don’t have long attention spans. The shows last one hour and 45 minutes in total – this is made up of 90 minutes of performances and an intermission lasting approximately 15 minutes.
Some of the many acts that can be seen during a typical Circus Aotearoa show include:
- Clowns
- Acrobats
- Jugglers
- Trapeze artists
- Chinese pole performers
And many more. While many of the performers come from New Zealand, some are from neighbouring Australia. All those who put on acts during the company’s shows are highly skilled professionals.
Speaking of shows, Circus Aotearoa already has some lined up for 2021. At the time of writing, the company’s putting on shows in the towns of Taupo and Rotorua. The troupe will be visiting Taupo for a long weekend in January, then spending the last week and a half of the month in Rotorua, putting on mid-morning and early evening shows.
Zirka Circus
New Zealand’s other main homegrown circus company is Zirka Circus. It was established in 2008, just like Aoreatoa Circus, and puts on shows that everyone in the family can enjoy together. Shows typically last just over 100 minutes in total (this includes an intermission of 15 minutes at half time). The company’s owner Jeni Hou, is from a family of entertainers – in fact, the last three generations of her family have worked in the circus/entertainment field, so she certainly knows a thing or two about putting on a good show!
Zirka Circus puts on traditional circus shows that are designed with today’s audience members in mind. The shows feature a diverse line-up of acts, many of whom were born and raised in New Zealand. Lots of the performers have done international tours with other circus companies and taken part in various competitions in areas such as acrobatics and gymnastics. If you ever get to see a Zirka Circus show, there’s a chance you may recognise one of the acts! Some stay with Zirka Circus for multiple tours, while others join the company for a shorter time before going off to do something else.
The youngest performers are in their teens – the youngest is currently 15. The company makes sure that, while touring the country, all school-aged performers receive sufficient education and have their needs catered for; all performers, no matter what age, are paid appropriately.
At the time of writing, Zirka Circus is currently in Porirua as part of the Santa’s Wonderland event. Once this wraps up, the troupe will then be heading to Wainuiomota and carrying on working their way around the country. If you’re a New Zealander and want to see a Zirka Circus show, keep your eyes peeled as the troupe may be making their way to your part of the country sometime soon.
Support National Companies
Both of the companies mentioned in this post have obviously been severely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, they’re back to putting on shows and hopefully they can continue delighting people all over New Zealand throughout 2021 and beyond. If you can, please do support these companies and go and see a local circus show. The performers work extra hard to put on a memorable show and whatever age you are and whatever sorts of acts you enjoy seeing, you’re sure to have a great time!