The Paramount Theater of Charlottesville

Created by multidisciplinary artist Yamoussa Bangoura, WOW: World of Words is an exhilarating cirque experience inspired by the culture, traditions, and everyday life of Guinea, West Africa. Through breathtaking acrobatics, contemporary circus, live Afro-Jazz percussion, dance, and music, the performance celebrates the power of movement as a universal language that connects people across cultures. As stories unfold without relying on words alone, audiences experience themes of trust, respect, resilience, and shared humanity in a visually stunning journey that bridges tradition and innovation.

SOL & Curriculum Connections

SOL Connections to English: 3.C.1 (A), 4.C.1 (A), 5.C.1 (A), 6.C.1 (A), 7.C.1 (A), 8.C.1 (A); SOL Connections to History and Social Science: WG.7; SOL Connections to Fine Arts (Dance Arts): 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 5.6, 5.7, 6.4, 6.6 (B), 6.7, 7.4, 7.6, 8.6, 8.13, 8.14, DI.3 (A,B), DI.4, DI.6 (A,B); (Music): 3.3 (B,C,D,E), 3.6 (B), 4.3 (A,C,D,G), 4.6, 5.6, 6.6 (A,B), 7.6 (A), 8.6 (A); Curriculum Connections to the concepts of the geography, daily life, and culture of Guinea; Francophone culture and French language; West African music, dance, and circus traditions; live percussion and traditional instruments; acrobatics and movement; communication beyond spoken language; storytelling; cultural exchange; the transmission of knowledge and wisdom across generations; collaboration; trust, respect, courage, resilience, and shared humanity.

More Information

Performance Guide Coming Soon!