Introducing Lazarus Gitu, the 30-year-old contortionist better known as "Snake Man."
Balancing act —
Introducing Lazarus Gitu, the 30-year-old contortionist better known as "Snake Man."
Courtesy Winston Ruddle
Orphaned at the age of 14, Gitu grew up on the streets of Mombasa, Kenya, learning how to bend himself into fantastical positions from other buskers.
Bend over backwards —
Orphaned at the age of 14, Gitu grew up on the streets of Mombasa, Kenya, learning how to bend himself into fantastical positions from other buskers.
Courtesy Winston Ruddle
"I was on the streets for six years with other boys and they all depended on me as their star show -- it was how we made money to survive," said Gitu.
Star show —
"I was on the streets for six years with other boys and they all depended on me as their star show -- it was how we made money to survive," said Gitu.
Courtesy Winston Ruddle
In 2003, Gitu (pictured) got his big break when circus manager Winston Ruddle watched in awe at the skinny young man performing on the streets of Mombasa. Ruddle had been searching for a new star act -- and he found it.
Big break —
In 2003, Gitu (pictured) got his big break when circus manager Winston Ruddle watched in awe at the skinny young man performing on the streets of Mombasa. Ruddle had been searching for a new star act -- and he found it.
Courtesy Winston Ruddle
Three years later "Mama Africa" was born, a circus show featuring 50 acrobats, aerialists, clowns, magicians, and of course contortionists. Here, Gitu performs with fellow contortionist Hassan Mohamed in an act called "the Plastic Boys."
Mama Africa —
Three years later "Mama Africa" was born, a circus show featuring 50 acrobats, aerialists, clowns, magicians, and of course contortionists. Here, Gitu performs with fellow contortionist Hassan Mohamed in an act called "the Plastic Boys."
Courtesy Winston Ruddle
"The audience is mesmerized -- some are shocked and some are afraid of what they see," said Gitu.
Cool or creepy? —
"The audience is mesmerized -- some are shocked and some are afraid of what they see," said Gitu.
Courtesy Winston Ruddle
The majority of professional contortionists are women, with many hailing from Mongolia and China. Gitu, pictured here with Mohamed, is all the more remarkable considering he is a self-taught, male contortionist.
Rubber men —
The majority of professional contortionists are women, with many hailing from Mongolia and China. Gitu, pictured here with Mohamed, is all the more remarkable considering he is a self-taught, male contortionist.
Courtsey Winston Ruddle
Gitu has come a long way from living on the streets, recently buying a house in Tanzania and gearing up for a show on New York's Broadway at the end of the year.
Head over heels —
Gitu has come a long way from living on the streets, recently buying a house in Tanzania and gearing up for a show on New York's Broadway at the end of the year.
Courtsey Winston Ruddle