Social Circus

This project looks at two "social circuses" in Africa - the Tinafan circus in Conakry, Guinea, and the Zip Zap circus in Cape Town, South Africa. A "social circus" is one that aims not only to entertain an audience but also to drive social change, foster personal development, and to offer a platform for marginalised youth looking for a fresh start. The circuses not only provide their performers with a tight-knit community and a livelihood but they also impart a range of key skills and attributes including focus, discipline, physical fitness, teamwork, self confidence and trust in others. There has been a growing recognition of the transformative potential of these circuses, and this has led to a huge boom across the continent and further afield. Many of those performing for Tinafan and Zip Zap came from backgrounds blighted by homelessness, violence or addiction, and they credit the circus with helping them change their lives for the better.