Zip Zap is a registered non-profit organisation, a circus school, a performance and technical training facility as well as being active in a number of youth outreach programmes, all aimed at taking the magic of circus and performance - together with all the elements involved with its presentation - and encouraging, enhancing and enriching people's lives with the possibilities of confidence, inspiration and self-development.
The new lighting in the Zip Zap Dome has been made possible by Robe and its South African distributor DWR, who have come on-board as technical sponsors.
Robe's CEO Josef Valchar, who is passionate about supporting the arts and particularly programs and companies interested in training and sharing skills, visited Zip Zap earlier in the year and discussed ways in which Robe could get involved with Founder and Artistic Director, Brent van Rensburg.
Says Valchar, "I have known about Zip Zap's work for some time and always been hugely impressed by their energy, enthusiasm and the positive effects it has on all around them. I am delighted that we are able to assist in a practical way by supplying lights, and that our products will also provide learning opportunities for those on the technical training schemes."
The two Robe DLX Spots and 24 x Robe LEDForce PAR 18s were specified by Malo McGrath from Johannesburg based installation company, The Art of Noise and DWR's Duncan Riley.
Malo has worked with Zip Zap since 1995, and is currently helping to develop their on-going technical training programmes which operate in addition to the circus and performance skills schools
Zip Zap Circus produces approximately 50 shows a year in the Cape Town dome and numerous touring shows, both around South Africa and internationally. Their current five programmes in operation include two outreach programmes dedicated to children living with HIV in the Khayelitsha Township, Cape Town.
Many Zip Zap performers and trainees who started there are also enjoying professional careers worldwide.
An Avolites Tiger Touch control console is also part of the new lighting package from DWR.
The Dome structure is provided by staging company In2Structures and leading SA rental company and technical services provider Gearhouse South Africa has supported Zip Zap over the last 14 year in various ways.
(Jim Evans)
