A magical journey filled with mystery and wonder makes the Emanji Circus Arts an event not to be missed this holiday season.
The All-Bahamian circus is going "green", with nightly performances at 8 p.m. today through Sunday, December 25 at The National Centre for the Performing Arts on Shirley Street.
The acrobats, contortionists and trapeze performers you loved last year in their debut Christmas show "The Doll Maker", are back for a second helping. This time around the show intends to take you deeper into the Bahamian islands and discover the magic and fantasy that lies just "under your nose" in their new show.
"This year [the show] is really different and will engage persons who saw the performance last year because it is a spin-off of the first show called 'Doll Maker", said Jarvis Grant, the circus' director. "That show was about a straw doll maker who makes dolls that are much more than they seem. This year's show takes you to the island where the strawmaker gets his magical straw from. He meets Chickcharnee and the other mystical creatures in the islands."
The show's green theme is derived from the magical "green power" that the Chickcharnee has which is given to the protagonist, "Ma Boy". The show will focus on what happens when he has the power as he meets the magical creatures along the way. Nothing is what it seems with the "green power" and by the end of show, patrons will not be able to look at normal everyday things the same way.
Grant says the circus is so different from the everyday activities available to the average person. What's also different about the circus is that it isn't a traditional circus with animals and clowns. Instead, it uses the talents of young Bahamian performers who are skilled in acrobatics, juggling, contortion and trapeze acts.
"This is different. It is all Bahamian and it's a beautiful expression of the talents of the local youth. The quality of performance that will be seen will be absolutely amazing. Things you thought you could only see in Vegas you will be able to see right here at home," he said.
This will be an exciting family-oriented event right in time for the holiday seasons. It will be a change of pace from the commonplace carnival outings, family gatherings and carol services that are markers of the season.
Grant hopes people will open their minds to the creativity, mystique and magic that is all around us once they have seen the wonders of this year's circus show. He says it's a show that will have patrons on the edge of their seats wanting more. But unfortunately once the show is over you will have to wait until next year to satisfy your cravings.
Emanji Circus Arts started in 2002 as a one-man act at Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort. Grant has an extensive background in circus performing and training and has been a member of the performing troupes of prestigious world renowned circus organizations such as "UniverSoul Circus" and "Cirque Du Soleil". He was also a member of the traveling cast of the broadway hit "Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk". He was also the circus coordinator and trapeze artist at Breezes Superclubs in Nassau and Our Lucaya Resort in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Tickets for the show are available at Electrojack in the Town Centre Mall.

BAHAMIAN CIRCUS
When: Friday, December 23 - Sunday, December 25
Where: National Center for the Performing Arts
Time: 8 p.m. nightly
Tickets: $20 adults, $10 children, group rates are available

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