CIRCUS ABYSSINIA
CIRCUS ABYSSINIA
(Ethiopia)
Circus Abyssinia is an internationally acclaimed Ethiopian circus performing surreal acrobatics, juggling, contortion and dancing with traditional music and songs. Their performances fuse Ethiopia’s astonishing musical and artistic heritage with the arts of traditional and contemporary circus to create something extraordinary and new.
Founded by Ethiopian brothers Bibi and Bichu Tesfamariam, the Circus debuted with Ethiopian Dreams in 2017 which has since had successful seasons in Edinburgh, London, New York, Adelaide and Singapore amongst various other locations.
Tulu is the Circus’ second major production, premiering in 2022 in Edinburgh and Minneapolis.
ETHIOPIAN DREAMS
Ethiopian Dreams follows the magical true tale of brothers Bibi and Bichu, who dreamed as little boys of joining the circus and grew up to help raise a phenomenal new tradition of circus in Ethiopia.
Weaving their story through death-defying tricks and stunning ensemble feats of juggling, human juggling, contortion, hoop-diving and Chinese pole, the show is a joy-driven journey through Ethiopia’s rich and storied artistic traditions and a transformative celebration of circus itself.
TULU
Tulu celebrates the true tale of an icon - Derartu Tulu - the first African woman to win Olympic gold. Meaning both ‘valley’ and ‘mountain heights’, the name Tulu plays out in the show's dazzling feats of speed and flight, in a runner's pursuit of her horizon, all the way from Ethiopia's Arsi highlands to her Olympic triumph.
Dancing with flags and flames, invoking the iconic Olympic rings and showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse culture, the show emulates the mesmerising and heart-racing thrills of the race that made Derartu a star.
