As seen in October 31, 2025 Asheville Citizen-Times
Originally scheduled for Wortham Center’s 2024/25 season, Cirque Kalabanté’s acclaimed production Afrique en Cirque makes its long-awaited Asheville appearance on Friday, Nov 14 at 7 pm at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. The performance was rescheduled due to Hurricane Helene.
Created by Guinean-born artist Yamoussa Bangoura, Afrique en Cirque is a vibrant celebration of African culture, inspired by the sights, sounds and spirit of daily life in Guinea. Audiences will witness gravity-defying acrobatics, human pyramids, and breathtaking feats of strength and agility—all set to the exhilarating rhythms of live Afro-Jazz, percussion, and kora. With its vivid costumes, dynamic staging and infectious energy, this production brings the joy and artistry of West Africa to life.
“This is one of the most anticipated performances of our season—not just because of its artistry, but because our community has waited so patiently for its arrival,” said Rae Geoffrey, managing director of the Wortham Center. “We’re thrilled to finally welcome Kalabanté to Asheville and to share this unforgettable experience with our audiences.”
Kalabanté Productions was founded in Montreal in 2007 by Bangoura, a multidisciplinary artist whose dream was to create a school and company dedicated to African circus arts. His journey began in the 1990s in Conakry, Guinea, where he and his peers would gather to watch European circus broadcasts on the neighborhood’s only TV station. Afterward, they’d head to the beach to mimic the acrobatic feats they’d seen training in the sand and learning traditional techniques from local mentors.
Bangoura went on to study the Nyamakala circus tradition of the Fula people and joined Guinea’s original circus troupe, Circus Baobob, touring across Africa and Europe. In the early 2000s, he was recruited to perform with Montreal’s Cirque Éloize, later joining Cirque du Soleil and Cavalia. With Kalabanté, he brought together many members of his extended family—including twin sisters, brothers, and cousins—to form a company rooted in cultural pride and artistic excellence.
The company first began touring in Quebec, then expanded across Canada, the U.S. and, eventually the world. In 2018, Kalabanté opened its own studio and school in Montreal, offering classes in African dance, cirque and drumming. The performers of Kalabanté Productions are proud to be able to share their work, achievements and skills with the global community, both to inspire others and to assist with the humanitarian mission to help the Guinean community from which Bangoura and many of his company members come.
While Afrique en Cirque is currently sold out, audiences can still experience the pulse of global movement and music this season with Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance (Feb 17–18) and BODYTRAFFIC (Mar 13–14)—two electrifying dance companies pushing the boundaries of contemporary performance. For family-friendly favorites that blend wonder and storytelling, there is Joshua Lozoff’s interactive Life is Magic (Feb 20), and Yellow Bird Chase (Apr 22).
Wortham Center Student Series: Afrique en Cirque
As part of the Kirk & Lucy Borland Student Series, Wortham Center presents a 60-minute performance of Afrique en Cirque for grades 1–7 on Friday, Nov 14 at 10 a.m. Featuring live Afro-Jazz, acrobatics, and storytelling, the show introduces students to West African culture through movement and music. Although currently sold out, individuals may contact the Wortham Center Box Office to inquire about last-minute ticket releases.
IF YOU GO
What: Cirque Kalabanté presents Afrique en Cirque
When: 7 pm Friday, Nov 14
Where: Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville
Tickets: This performance is currently sold out, but seats may become available. Check worthamarts.org, call 828-257-4530, or visit the Wortham Center Box Office to inquire about last-minute releases.
