Family-owned and operated, The Great Benjamins Circus thrilled Oxford crowds with aerialists, human cannonballs and hair-suspended performers on Monday evening at the Lafayette County Multi-Purpose Arena.
The company consists of generational circus performers along with some guest performers outside of the scheduled acts. The show is true to its traditional circus roots and hosts international acts.
“It’s very family-oriented — like everything’s up close,” Ojeda said. “Everyone knows each other, (and) everyone’s family here. So it’s a little different. More up close and personal.”
The group originally started in Texas and is continuing its tour to Canada. Sixth-generation stuntman Leo Garcia expressed how fortunate he felt to be able to travel frequently.
“I love performing for the people, for the audience,” Garcia said. “I love what I do… You basically get to be in a different city and a different state every week.”
Fourth-generation aerialist Ashely Ojeda said that the company started out as a small group consisting of her aunt’s family. The company grew when Ojeda’s family joined shortly thereafter and continued to expand with multiple other family additions.
Ojeda said that many performers, including herself, have been performing since childhood, splitting their time between education and the family circus. She said that family members who performed before her were not always given a choice.
“My dad is from old-town circus,” Ojeda said. “Back from Mexico, where they were really tough on them when they grew up, it was like you had to do this. They didn’t get any schooling at all.”
Ojeda said that, throughout her childhood, training for the circus was overshadowed by the playful aspect of their performances.
“It was just like the fact that we could do things that kids our age couldn’t do, the ability that we practiced, and we still had fun at the same time,” Ojeda said. “I think it was just funny, you know, because the other kids would be like, ‘Whoa, you can do that.’”
Ojeda said that though she has been involved for a long time, she is still deciding on whether or not she will make the company her main focus.
“It’s like that itch that you need to scratch. You need to go back on the road,” Ojeda said. “It’s just a different lifestyle. Even if I had a good job, and I could stay someplace, it just doesn’t compare, you know. Every day (is) something different, something exciting. A new town (and) different people, so it’s just the unexpected.”
Ojeda said that she currently plans to stay involved with the circus for as long as possible.
“I’ve tried being in one place for a while, and it hasn’t fulfilled my heart or my dreams completely,” Ojeda said, “so I think I want to stay here a bit.”
General manager William Garcia used to be involved in the circus, but this year is his first with The Great Benjamins Circus. He feels that the family-oriented business adds to the show’s experience.
“We can… join forces basically and put on the kind of acts that we do here,” Garcia said. “From aerials to the clown gags, the Wheel of Destiny,(and) the human cannonball as well.”
The circus is making more stops in Mississippi before heading west to complete their tour.
