Directed by Janice Honeyman

Written by Janice Honeyman

Assisted by Esther Nasser

Produced by The Cirk

Original Music by Wessel Odendaal

Set Design by Wilhelm Disbergen

Lighting Design by Wilhelm Disbergen and Michael Inglis

Costumes by Claudia Moruzzi

Choreography by Cheree Simpson

Aerial Choreography by Joanna Pawelczyk

Show Operators – Luthando Rodolo, Michael Inglis, Zenzele Letsoela, Megan Nielsen, Neo Moji

Cast

Daniel Buckland – Malo

Claudia Moruzzi – Melodia

Yahto Kraft – Ratchett

Brian Ngobese – Brio the Donkey

Danica Bezuidenhout – Beryl

Nozi Phehane – Meryl

Carmen Jooste – Ella Stick 

Cheree Simpson – Clorinda

Kiowa Howes – Stavros

DANIEL BUCKLAND

Daniel Buckland is an actor, director and theatre-maker who has been working professionally both locally and internationally for over twenty fivr years. He has previously performed lead roles in Cirque du Soleil’s acclaimed Las Vegas show Love, as well as their international touring show Saltimbanco. 

Combining his interests in ensemble theatre, circus arts and physical storytelling, he created and directed Urban Circus for the National Arts Festival in 2022, followed by Castaways in 2023. Both productions received rave reviews and continue to run in theatres around the country. In 2024 he worked with Circus Zambia’s production of Chibolya Side Story. 

Daniel has also had extensive experience in the film and television industry, writing and directing the SAFTA nominated television series Silly Seasons, as well as co-writing and directing the full- length animated feature film Inside Job. He has written and directed three films for Netflix, as well as been on the writing team for Tsheda’s Pictures television series Legacy.

CLAUDIA MORUZZI

Meet Claudia, a multi-talented performer who has been dazzling audiences with her work since she was a child. Claudia started dancing at a young age, exploring a wide variety of styles and genres. After studying musical theatre, Claudia made her mark in the professional world of theatre, while also working in television and as a voiceover artist.

Always up for a new challenge, she discovered a passion for pole dance and quickly excelled. With the lines of a professional ballerina, the artistry of a seasoned theatre performer, and the physical strength of an elite athlete, Claudia’s pole dance career has included stellar performances on both local and international stages, including the 2023 Arnold Classic in the United States.

But why stop there? Claudia has taken her love of the air to the next level, mastering different aerial arts that showcase her strength and grace. Claudia has a broad range of skills in dance, theatre, and aerial, which she has showcased in numerous stage productions over the years. Her invaluable knowledge, in combination with her drive to explore and master all areas of entertainment, has resulted in an impactful career in the arts, and she is starting to make her mark behind the scenes as well, directing and co-directing shows with the Cirk.

YAHTO KRAFT

South African Television viewers might recognize him from Season 3 of the hit television reality show, The Voice South Africa, with the astonishing Lira as his coach, where he placed 6th overall. 

After coming off a two year international tour, where he was a backing vocalist in The Greatest Love Of All: A Whitney Houston tribute show, he wrote and starred in Meat Loaf: The Rebel Ride, which garnered three Naledi award nominations (Best small scale revue or musical, Best breakthrough artist and Best lead in a musical), and was shortly thereafter nominated for a Fleur De Cap for best supporting actor in the role of Uncle fester in The Addams Family Musical. 

He has been on stage from a very young age, as performing is his passion, however over the years he has gained a huge love and passion for teaching, writing and directing. 

He is an energetic, passionate artist with a true love for the stage and performing, and he is currently working on his own material. He wants to be a light for those in the darkness. A strong voice in the LGBTQIA+ community, his hope is that the world can come together and treat one another like equals.

BRIAN BONGANI NGOBESE

With a background in various dance styles – namely hip hop, jazz, and modern – Brian has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with some of the industry’s top performers. He has received numerous awards for dancing from a variety of institutions, such as KATZ School of Dance (Rising Star Award, Best Hip Hop Award, Best Solo Award), Concours de Moderne (Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop), and the National School of Arts (Best Group Dance Award: Hip Hop). 

Brian is a force to be reckoned with on the competition floor, having taken home a number of gold and silver medals between 2011 and 2017 at prolific competitions such as World of Dance (WOD)SA, FIGURES Dance Competition, and the Arnold Sport Festival Africa Dance Style Competition.

Brian consistently seeks to expand his skills repertoire, and has explored additional dance styles such as contemporary, Afro-fusion, and Latin dance, as well as acrobatics, aerial arts, and acting. Brian entered the theatre scene in 2013, first performing in Toy Story and Jungle Book: The Musical. He has been a valued cast member in three of Janice Honeyman’s pantomimes since 2019, performing in Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Peter Pan.

Brian’s experience is not limited to stage work; having been featured in music videos, advertisements, and television programs, he is a versatile performer with a broad spectrum of skills and a burning desire to make his mark in the industry.

CARMEN JOOSTE

Carmen is a versatile athlete, having begun her journey as an acrobatic gymnast at the age of 6. At 11, she transitioned to rhythmic gymnastics, developing further artistry and technical skill. Over the course of a decade, Carmen proudly represented South Africa in numerous international competitions, training and competing at Senior Olympic Level in various countries such as Egypt, Dubai, and Bulgaria. 

Her achievements in rhythmic gymnastics include becoming a Junior Group Medallist at the African Championships in 2018 and taking home national medals throughout her career. In 2023, Carmen expanded her horizons by obtaining a certification in Group Exercise from the Fitness Professionals Education Institute. Currently, she shares her passion for movement and wellness as an aerial yoga instructor at The Yoga Republic, while also pursuing studies in integrative medicine.

CHEREE SIMPSON

Meet Cheree, a lover of all things movement. According to her folks, she could dance before she could walk....so naturally she was put in dance classes from a young age.

Fast forward to adulting, she did the 'responsible' thing and got a degree in Art direction and design, but the lure of dance still held more weight. She followed her heart, dancing in Extravaganzas and cabaret shows locally and on board cruiseships, travelling and moving around the world. 

Her passion for movement led her into other avenues like becoming a yoga instructor and then...an aerial yoga instructor, which ended up being the gateway into the world of aerial dance. What an exciting prospect, to dance and fly at the same time. 

Cheree's passions have led to this very moment, where dance and aerial meet. In her words "My favourite place in the whole world is on the stage, so I will see you there...soon!"

KIOWA HOWES

From a very early age Kiowa’s high energy was channeled into keeping his body in fit and in shape. He was often declined entry from the weight section at the gym for being too young so subsequently transferred his focus to dance including ballet, modern and hip hop and achieved his South African colors in modern at 12. Kiowa is also a skilled martial artist in Kung Fu and Boxing and competed competitively for 10 years winning numerous gold medals in his age category.

Kiowa’s interest further extended into Fire Dancing and has been performing professionally since he was 15. Kiowa has also done brief commercial and acting roles working with brands such as Coke and McDonalds.  Inspired by his mother who was also a fire performer and pole dance champion he gravitated  in 2024 towards competing in pole at the NPAC national competition breaking the 18+ men’s category for artistic pole and qualifying for the world championships. This began his aerial performing  journey at The Cirk. At present Kiowa is studying a degree in culinary arts and is further qualified as a professor bartender, barista and superyacht deckhand.

NOZI PHEHANE

A performing artist based in Johannesburg, working across singing, dancing, and acting—but really, I just love telling stories. I’ve trained in the world of performance since I was a kid, with contemporary and hip hop being styles I connect with most. Acting is where I feel most at home, and singing has always been an extension of me always wanting to share light. 

At 17 performed in Born to Perform SHINE!, and three times at the Nelson Mandela Theatre on the Square. My professional journey kicked off with Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol Live! in 2024, where I played the beloved water-loving Labrador, Zuma (yes, the pup in the hovercraft). Followed by A short film for the 48hr film festival. Additionally, cast in Meat Loaf: The Rebel Ride, a wild, high-energy show that picked up a Naledi Award nomination. Right now, I’m cast in Janice Honeyman’s MALO, and will soon be stepping into the world of the upcoming Pantomime. Off-stage, I spend a lot of time writing, painting, and making music—creative things that help me reset and stay more grounded (I’m 5’3) - Can’t get closer to the ground than that!

Lately, I’ve been playing around with some aerialist and fire tricks. Not sure when they’ll come in handy, but I like to keep life interesting. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll need to swing or fly in a scene!

DANICA BEZUIDENHOUT

Danica is a passionate and accomplished performer, songwriter, and musician with over two decades of vocal training and a career that bridges musical theatre, live performance, and studio recording. She holds an ATCL in Musical Theatre, an LTCL in Performance, and a Grade 8 in Singing—each from Trinity College London. Her vocal journey includes 20 years of dedicated training, with two and a half years of classical singing forming a strong technical and expressive foundation.

Over the past five years, Danica has appeared in acclaimed productions such as Once Upon A Time and La Bella I Am Woman (La Rouge/The Cirk Production), and more recently served as an understudy in Worlds Away, staged at The Cirk and the Mardi Gras Theatre, Carnival City.

Beyond the stage, Danica has performed at corporate events across South Africa for over ten years—both as a solo artist and with a band. As a recording artist, she has released two albums and multiple singles with various producers, showcasing her range and versatility. A gifted songwriter and musician, Danica is currently working on her debut solo album, bringing her original voice and creative vision to life.

With a deep love for storytelling through music and performance, Danica continues to captivate audiences with her authenticity, professionalism, and artistic soul.