The current UniverSoul Circus tour features acts from 16 countries, including Chinese Silk aerialists. "The circus tradition is just a lot stronger overseas," says Ben Johnson.Circus aims to 'reflect the soul of America'
By Christopher Blank Memphis Commercial Appeal
August 20, 2010
On Tuesday, UniverSoul Circus sets up its tent at Hickory Ridge Mall for six days of performances.
Founded in 1994 by Atlanta businessman Cedric Walker, UniverSoul Circus was created to showcase the wide variety of talents African-Americans had to offer. The first all-black circus was a success with audiences and continued to grow over the past decade. Walker's "Hip Hop Under the Big Top" theme continues, even as his circus troupe has grown more diverse.
The current tour features acts from 16 countries, from China to Mexico.
"We want UniverSoul Circus to reflect the soul of America," Walker said. "And I believe the soul of America has no color or ethnic barrier. It's a feeling inside your heart. It's the urban beat that is truly multicultural — African American, Asian, Hispanic and African."
Another reason the show has grown broader in terms of nationality is simply the quality of acts that come from foreign countries.
"The circus tradition is just a lot stronger overseas," Johnson says. "The amount of circuses you have in Europe, South America, Asia and Mexico far exceed what you have here, although there are several families here that have been doing circuses for generations. To keep the quality high, we have to look around the world. There are certain acts you can only find in Trinidad or Russia."
Ironically, given the love of the sport in the states, audiences will see an act from Holland doing basketball tricks.
"It's amazing what those guys can do with a basketball and a hoop," Johnson said.
"UniverSoul Circus"
7:30 p.m. Tuesday; 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; noon, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 12:30, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Hickory Ridge Mall, 6075 Winchester Rd. Tickets are $14.50-$26. Call Ticketmaster at 525-1515.
On Tuesday, UniverSoul Circus sets up its tent at Hickory Ridge Mall for six days of performances.
Founded in 1994 by Atlanta businessman Cedric Walker, UniverSoul Circus was created to showcase the wide variety of talents African-Americans had to offer. The first all-black circus was a success with audiences and continued to grow over the past decade. Walker's "Hip Hop Under the Big Top" theme continues, even as his circus troupe has grown more diverse.
The current tour features acts from 16 countries, from China to Mexico.
"We want UniverSoul Circus to reflect the soul of America," Walker said. "And I believe the soul of America has no color or ethnic barrier. It's a feeling inside your heart. It's the urban beat that is truly multicultural — African American, Asian, Hispanic and African."
Another reason the show has grown broader in terms of nationality is simply the quality of acts that come from foreign countries.
"The circus tradition is just a lot stronger overseas," Johnson says. "The amount of circuses you have in Europe, South America, Asia and Mexico far exceed what you have here, although there are several families here that have been doing circuses for generations. To keep the quality high, we have to look around the world. There are certain acts you can only find in Trinidad or Russia."
Ironically, given the love of the sport in the states, audiences will see an act from Holland doing basketball tricks.
"It's amazing what those guys can do with a basketball and a hoop," Johnson said.
"UniverSoul Circus"
7:30 p.m. Tuesday; 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; noon, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 12:30, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Hickory Ridge Mall, 6075 Winchester Rd. Tickets are $14.50-$26. Call Ticketmaster at 525-1515.
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