FEEL THE CIRCUS VIBE
Unveiling the Circus Abyssinia Magic
OUR CIRCUS STORY
Our Story
Born in Ethiopia. Made for the world.
Circus Abyssinia is the story of a dream — a dream born in Ethiopia and brought to life on the world stage. It began with two brothers, Bibi and Bichu, who discovered circus through a grainy VHS tape and taught themselves to juggle in the streets of Jimma. Their passion and perseverance carried them across continents, and eventually led them to create a platform that would spotlight the extraordinary talent of Ethiopian circus artists.
In 2017, that dream took shape with the debut of our first full-length production, Ethiopian Dreams, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Inspired by the true story of two young boys chasing their circus dreams, the show fused heart-stopping acrobatics with the rhythms, colors, and soul of Ethiopia. It captivated audiences and launched Circus Abyssinia onto the global stage.
Following this success, we created our second production, TULU, a celebration of Ethiopian Olympic legend Derartu Tulu — the first Black African woman to win Olympic gold. Through breathtaking circus and storytelling, the show honors her journey and the spirit of triumph against the odds.
Today, Circus Abyssinia is proud to tour internationally, sharing the stories, strength, and artistry of Ethiopia with the world. From circus stages to cultural festivals, we are building a legacy — one that uplifts Ethiopian voices, empowers new generations of performers, and redefines the boundaries of contemporary circus.
This is our story — a journey of pride, passion, and possibility.
Shows
GALLERY
Workshops and Community outreach
In the meantime, the Abyssinia troupe enjoys participating in community outreach activities while on tour. The whole cast engages with local youth and circus communities through class visits and communal meals, and frequently hold workshops for all abilitieson site or at local circus schools, using the common language of circus and dance as a medium for a special kind of cultural exchange.In classes ranging from 30minutes to 120 minutes,the cast of Circus Abyssinia share their skills of contortion, juggling, danceand acrobaticswith amateurs and professionals alike. The age range for these classes is generally 7 years and up.
SUCCESS INDICATORS
International Recognition
* Successful tours across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.
* Featured at major festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe, Underbelly Festival, and Adelaide Fringe.
Critically Acclaimed Productions
Cultural Impact & Representation
* Over 800,000 audience members worldwide since launch.
* One of the first circus companies to represent Ethiopian culture on global stages.
* Empowering African performers and reshaping narratives in the circus arts.