UniverSoul Circus is coming to town

By Denae Brewer
Editor in Chief

The UniverSoul Circus, the only black-owned and operated circus in the country, is setting up shop – or more appropriately, pitching a tent – in the main parking lot of Yankee Stadium.

The circus’ Platinum Soul 2002 Tour is set to arrive on April 23. Acts from around the world, including Lunga “Princess of the Big Top,” a contortionist from South Africa, will amaze and entertain the audience while ringmaster Casual Cal Dupree directs the show.

“Wow I can't believe that!” said long-time Highbridge resident Emma Barnes. “I always wanted to go, but they've never been this close.”

Ms. Barnes is correct. The Atlanta-based circus, which has come to New York several times, over the past nine years, usually performs on Randall's Island or in Brooklyn. This will mark their first tumble into the Bronx.

“There's been a high demand to come to the Bronx,” said UniverSoul's spokesperson, Jabari Graham. “We're fortunate that we can now do it.”

“That's great,” said Iris Lavergne, who admittedly has not been to the circus in over ten years. “This would be a good experience for children and adults, especially adults – who are just children at heart.

Also known as “Hip-Hop under the Big Top,” UniverSoul aims to bring a unique circus experience to urban culture through entertainment, education and empowerment. “Soul comes from within and transcends all cultures,” said, President and Founder Cedric Walker.

According to Mr. Walker, the UniverSoul Circus transcends all boundaries. “What we have been proclaiming for years is that soul is not a color – soul is an experience.”