Bangladesh's traveling circus
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Generations of low income families are born into circuses with rarely the hope of ever working in different profession or escaping the harsh realities of the circus.
The children, often very young, are trained to be full working members usually without the opportunity for an education.
As modernization slowly takes over landscape of Bangladesh, the circus is a dying art form and is moving further and further away from mainstream entertainment.16 year old Bristi Akhter looks out from her makeshift home in the residential area behind the Olympic Circus, October 31, 2013 in Jamsha, Bangladesh. Bristi, was born into the circus. Last month she got married to her cousin last month, dropped out of school when she was 14 years old to start performing.
Two circus performers ride an elephant past the circus tent of the Olympic Circus, November 1, 2013 in Jamsha, Bangladesh
Baby Akhter Sultang holds her 3 year old son, Shobujh as she watches a performance through the curtains at the Olympic Circus, October 31, 2013 in Jamsha, Bangladesh. Baby, who doesn't know her age, grew up in the circus without ever having the chance to attend school. She has been performing for 6 years, does not enjoy performing but says she stays because she needs the money.
(L-R)16 year old Bristi Akhter has her hair checked for bugs by her mother, Sheuliy, in the residential area behind the Olympic Circus, October 31, 2013 in Jamsha, Bangladesh.
8 year old Puja Sarker looks through the curtain of her makeshift home in the residential area of the Olympic Circus, October 30, 2013 in Jamsha, Bangladesh. Puja was born into the circus, as were her parents, and never had the chance to attend school. She performs in the circus spinning with hula hoops.
7 year old Nishan practices performing with his father, Mohammad Moshroom, before they work in the Olympic Circus, November 1, 2013 in Jamsha, Bangladesh.
Men try to purchase tickets through the window of the Olympic Circus
8 year old Puja Sarker performs at the Olympic Circus, November 1, 2013 in Jamsha, Bangladesh. Puja was born into the circus, as were her parents, and never had the chance to attend school.
Sheuliy, shuts her eyes as Rezaul Karim throws flaming knives at her during a performance at the Olympic Circus, October 31, 2013 in Jamsha, Bangladesh. Sheuliy, who doesn't know her age, got married to another circus worker when she was 10 or 11 years old. She never had a chance to go to school. Rezaul, who is 52 years old, joined the circus when he was a teenager. He dropped out of school when he was 12 years old. Rezaul enjoys his work in the circus. He like performing and watching his friends perform, and he enjoys the music. Generations of low income families are born into circuses with rarely the hope of ever working in different profession or escaping the harsh realities of the circus.
A young boy looks out from a performance drum
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Labonie, who does not know her age, tends to her 2 month old baby, Sudraya, in the residential area of the Olympic Circus, November 1, 2013 in Jamsha, Bangladesh. Labonie was born into the circus and never went to school. She enjoys her profession because she gets to be around her friends all the time.
15 year old Biti performs in the Olympic Circus, November 1, 2013 in Jamsha, Bangladesh. Biti left school after the third grade and was sent into the circus by her family because they needed money.
11 year old Sharif Moshroom cries as he is tended to by his mother, Sheuliy, after his father beat him with a wooden cane because he ripped up his shoes in a fit when his father wouldn't give him money,
Labonie, who does not know her age, tends to her 2 month old baby, Sudraya, in the residential area of the Olympic Circus,
3 year old Shobujh Sultang sits on the knife throwing board
11 year old Sharif and 7 year old Nishan hold flaming sticks in their mouth as their father Mohammad Moshroom spins them on a pole during a performance at the Olympic Circus, October 31, 2013 in Jamsha, Bangladesh.
(L-R)16 year old Bristi Akhter and 15 year old Biti watch a performance during the Olympic Circus, October 31, 2013 in Jamsha, Bangladesh. Bristi, was born into the circus. Last month she got married to her cousin last month, dropped out of school when she was 14
11 year old Sharif Moshroom hangs from a ladder backstage
8 year old Puja Sarker looks at her father, Ronjit Sarker, backstage
8 year old Puja Sarker goofs around during her free time in the morning before performing at the Olympic Circus, November 1, 2013 in Jamsha, Bangladesh. Puja was born into the circus, as were her parents, and never had the chace to attend school.
