It’s one of the oldest community circus groups in New Zealand and a local treasure. Now Circus Kumarani, the entertaining and engaging troupe of performers who brighten up so many aspects of Kaipara life, have a new manager, and she’s keen to reignite the region’s passion for the circus arts.
“Many people have had input over the years, and it’s touched many lives across Northland from its homebase in Dargaville,” says Kumarani Productions’ new manager, Tania Whetu. “With a focus on providing accessible social circus for everyone, regardless of age and skill level, Kumarani has built a vibrant circus community hub in Northland.”
Tania hails from Dunedin, but her skills and experience in organizing and running circus shows have seen her travel extensively, including throughout Australia. During Covid lockdown Tania and Kumarani made the decision to work together. She attended the Northland Circus Festival in 2019 and has wanted to move up ever since.
“Stepping into this role is an exciting opportunity to connect with the Northland community, and continue to build Kumarani’s presence here. I want to invite everyone to run away and join the circus!” she said.
Wasting no time, Tania and the Kumarani team are proud to present a free school holiday programme for kids in both Dargaville and Paparoa, where young people can ‘run away with the circus’ and learn all kinds of performance artistic skills in a fun environment. Parents can register at circuskumarani.co.nz.
Following this, Circus Kumarani will be holding an open day in Dargaville on June 27 for locals to come and learn some circus tricks for free from 3–5pm and watch a fire show at 5.30pm. It is a chance to have a sample of Kumarani’s Breakaway Holiday programme, as the children will be showing off what they have learned.
Currently, Kumarani is also working on the Circademic programme — ‘where everyone catches the circus bug!’ They received funding from the Ministry of Social Development to deliver free online resources to disabled people —teaching circus and creating a platform for connecting and socialising. It includes accessible body movement and circus skills classes taught via zoom, and tutorials taught by some of Kumarani’s experienced students with disabilities who work with Greenways Trust.
June 23rd 2020
Author Andy Bryenton - Kaipara Lifestyler