Step inside the big top tent during Cirque Ma’Ceo to witness an emotionally charged artistic experience featuring circus performers and horses from around the world. With misty red lighting, the tent offers an intimate setting where every seat allows for breathtaking access to the one-of-a-kind performance which promises to transport you back in time to the “roots of Gypsy heritage,” according to the show’s website. This 90-minute show offers fire dancers, mesmerizing acrobatic acts, dance and equestrian displays.
Cirque Ma’Ceo is suitable for all ages and offers five performances March 24-26 at Johns Island County Park.
The show has been described as an equine version of the famous Cirque du Soleil. The theatrical, equestrian-themed circus show tells a story through acrobatics, dance and aerial performance — all to the acoustic beats of Spanish guitar. Cirque Ma’Ceo is based out of Sarasota, Fla., and has performed in Las Vegas, Nev., Honolulu, Hawaii, and all over Canada.
Rachel Gauthier, media relations for Cirque Ma’Ceo, said the show blends many cultures. It was created in 2005 by director Olissio Zoppe, a ninth-generation descendent of the historical Italian family that created equine-based theatrical-style circus performance, the Zoppe and Zamperla family. Zoppe himself has performed in the circus since childhood.
“He was born in the circus — he’s been doing this all his life, and now he’s created his own show,” Gauthier said. “We’re performing and traveling all across the United States doing this amazing show, but this will be our first time in Charleston.
“The show features aerialists, fire dancers and amazing tightrope acts. We have this really dreamy act of featuring this black Friesian stallion horse. The performer rides the horse as an aerialist takes flight over him with red ribbon silks. It’s a really beautiful act.”
Those who are interested in horses will enjoy seeing many different and exotic breeds, including Friesian Percherons, Mustang quarter horses, miniature horses and more. The show combines elements of contemporary circus, as seen in Cirque du Soleil, along with more traditional circus elements.
“Zoppe comes from a more traditional style of circus: the big top tent with the ringmaster announcing act after act — the traditional circus acts that you would see. This show is a blend of both worlds because he comes from a traditional circus family, but in his work he has touched on the contemporary more theatrical side of circus too. He was inspired to create his own show that had this traditional feeling to it, but brings a contemporary style of circus as well,” Gauthier said.
General admission tickets are $35 and can be purchased here.
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