By Tristan Munz | Published June 21, 2025
This July, Zip Zap Circus invites Cape Town audiences to witness a historic moment under the big top. For the first time in its three-decade journey, the acclaimed non-profit circus company is uniting performers across three generations in its boldest production yet: Chasing Dreams.
Held at the Zip Zap Dome, the show promises a kaleidoscope of colour, courage, and community. Expect spine-tingling aerial acts, explosive acrobatics, and an inspiring story that captures the very heart of South Africa’s creative resilience.
🎠A Circus Born from Unity
Zip Zap’s origins are as unconventional as their performances. Founded in the early 1990s by Brent van Rensburg and Laurence Estève, the company began with nothing more than a trapeze bar, a dream, and a deeply personal mission: to unite young South Africans during a time of political and social transition.
“Nelson Mandela spoke of the Rainbow Nation, and we aimed to play our part in making that hope for a better future become a reality,” Van Rensburg reflects.
The circus became a sanctuary for children from all walks of life—transforming lives through movement, mentorship, and magic.
🎟 Chasing Dreams: A Multi-Generational Masterpiece
In Chasing Dreams, the legacy lives on. The show features:
-
The Zappers – vibrant young talent at the start of their circus journey
-
Dare2Dream students – rising stars refining their craft
-
The Pro Troupe – elite, world-travelled performers
These three pillars of the Zip Zap family come together to tell the story of The Dreamer, a character journeying through a surreal world where ambition meets adversity. Through intricate silk routines, daring stunts, and synchronised ensemble pieces, the performance explores what it truly means to chase a dream.
“Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the magic of circus, this show will ignite something in you,” says Van Rensburg. “It’s about possibility, perseverance, and the beauty of shared imagination.”
🎉 Celebrating 30 Years of Transformation
Far more than just entertainment, Zip Zap Circus is a platform for personal growth, social inclusion, and artistic excellence. Over the past 30 years, it has become one of South Africa’s most beloved cultural institutions—proof that passion, when nurtured, can become purpose.
This July, Chasing Dreams pays tribute to the children who dared to believe, the mentors who built a movement, and the city that continues to embrace the circus as a symbol of hope.
đź“Ť Event Details
-
Venue: Zip Zap Dome, 10 Jan Smuts Street, Cape Town
-
Dates: 12, 13, 19, 20 July 2025
-
Times: Two shows daily at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
-
Tickets: Book at zip-zap.org/shows
đź’ˇ Final Thought
Whether you’re a family looking for a weekend outing, a theatre lover chasing fresh inspiration, or someone simply seeking joy—Chasing Dreams is more than a show. It’s an invitation to believe in yourself, in others, and in the boundless possibilities that await beneath the circus canopy.
Don’t miss the chance to witness history in motion. Three generations. One dream. Infinite wonder.
