Scenes from the Matica Arts Circus performance Tuesday at the Westport Library, clockwise from left: circus performer Heidi Kirchofer; Erika Brunwasser and daughter Sadie, 7, enjoying the show, and 4-year-old Ford Rowbotham was enthralled by the acts. / Photos by Mia Bomback

By Mia Bomback

WESTPORT — Entering the Westport Library, visitors usually are greeted with hushed whispers and reminders to keep quiet. 

But Tuesday, “oohs” and “ahs” echoed loudly through the library’s Trefz Forum as an audience of 40 people watched in wonder as performers with the Matica Arts Circus — Heidi Kirchofer and Joel Melendez (known on stage as “Meemo”) — showcased their world of talents.

The free performance kicked off a three-day Matica Arts workshop hosted by the library as part of its Camp Explore summer program. Following the performance, workshop participants made their own juggling balls and joined in a juggling lesson led by the circus duo.

Matica Arts performer Joel Melendez exhibits balancing skills.

Matica Arts, founded by Kirchofer and Melendez in 1999 in Palenque, Mexico, began performing in the streets of Central America, attracting crowds with feats of fire.

After coming to the United States, they adapted their act to appeal to a range of audiences, including camps and classrooms, and now focus primarily on acrobatic arts, cycling and clowning. 

“The kids tell us what to do,” Kirchofer said. “Their reactions tell us what makes a good act.”

Olive Seigel, 9, tries her hand at juggling during a workshop with Matica Arts Circus performers at the Westport Library.

Among the captivated spectators was Sadie Brunwasser, 7, of Westport.

“My favorite part of the show was when Meemo rode on the unicycle,” she said, adding it was “really funny.”

In 2005, Kirchofer and Melendez were given their first unicycle as a wedding present. They quickly mastered the art of unicycling and began teaching classes to children living in their neighborhood in the South End of Hartford. 

In addition to a unicycle routine, other highlights of the couple’s 40-minute performance included juggling knives, balancing on balls and a Chinese yo-yo.

Melendez’s favorite part of each show, however, is interacting with the audience. 

“I love connecting with the kids and laughing with them,” he said. 

Kirchofer enjoys how Matica has given her the opportunity to perform all over the world. 

“I love getting to go to so many different places and engag[ing] with so many different audiences,” she said. “You really get a feel for the people and the environment.” 

Over the next two days, Kirchofer and Melendez will teach the campers other circus skills, including walking on stilts and challenging their coordination with a variety of circus props.

Mia Bomback is a Westport Journal intern.

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