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Digital Program

Welcome

Welcome to Chicago Shakespeare Theater! We are thrilled to be kicking off our 2025/26 season with Circus Abyssinia and this celebration of Ethiopian music, culture, and artistry. It is pure joy, and we hope you have a great time. 

An important part of our mission is to create vibrant and engaging theatrical experiences for all ages. We know that when young people attend theater, they are more likely to become lifelong attenders and build the muscles of empathy, curiosity, and imagination. We are committed to creating experiences where families can see live theater together.  We hope you will join us again and again this season. 

Thank you for joining us today and enjoy the show! 

The performance runs 70 minutes, including an intermission.

If we can help accommodate you during your visit, please speak with our House Manager.
For your safety, we ask that you keep aisles and doorways clear.
You are welcome to take photos and videos during the performance, but please refrain from using flash.

Principal Production Sponsor

Creative Team


Mehari “Bibi” Tesfamariam

Co-Creator and Producer

Binyam “Bichu” Shimellis

Co-Creator, Director, and Producer

Cal McCrystal

Writer

Kate Smyth

Choreographer

Mark Whatmough

Lighting Designer

Elshaday Shimels

Project & Stage Manager

Performers


Dawit Berehe Aregawi

Befekadu Esmael Awol

Abiy Fisseha Aynalem

Kirubal Alemu Chala

Alemayehu Mulugeta Degenet

Hailemelekot Tesfaye Gebreegziabher

Wasihun Adefres Geremew

Cherenet Dereje Negash

Biniyam Zenebe Regasa

Daniel Amera Seid

Binyam “Bichu” Shimellis

Ermiya Sima

Endalkachew Adenew Teka

Mehari “Bibi” Tesfamariam

Anduamlak Delil Zepriye

Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org

A Note From The Director

All of us in Circus Abyssinia grew up dreaming of joining the circus, but for all its rich and vibrant traditions, Ethiopia has no circus tradition, and very few acrobats ever make a living by their skills. Circus Abyssinia is the first Ethiopian circus created by and for Ethiopian artists, and my hope is that our show will help create a space in the world for many more to come.

I think part of the power of the show is the way it highlights the importance of dreams in a world too often marked by cynicism and doubt. The show is about the boyhood dreams of my brother and I, but it’s also about every artist back in Ethiopia and everywhere—those who know that to perform is to be happy, and that nothing can compare with sharing the beats and excitement of acrobatic daring and dance with an audience.

And that’s what it’s really all about. Our show explores Ethiopia’s colorful artistic heritage, and the traditions that set us apart, but at its heart is a celebration of the dreams and joys common to all cultures and continents, and that bring us together.

—Bichu Shimellis

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is proud to partner with Demera Ethiopian Restaurant to offer ticket holders 10% off your meal for the duration of Circus Abyssinia. Situated within the vibrant and colorful neighborhood of Uptown, Demera serves Chicago residents and visitors daily, allowing guests to experience Ethiopian hospitality and a whole lot of flavor.

Explore The Production

Meet Co-Creators Bibi and Bichu

From juggling as children on the streets of their hometown to embarking on sensational world tours, the Circus Abyssinia founders have an epic tale worth telling.

The Music of Circus Abyssinia

Listen to the show’s catchy soundtrack drawn from some of the top artists performing in Ethiopia today—and explore the meaning behind the music.

About Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST)

Our Mission

To create vivid, entertaining theatrical experiences that invigorate and engage people of all ages and identities by illuminating the complexity, ambiguity, and wonder of our world.

Shared humanity and unforgettable stories—now THIS is Chicago Shakespeare.

Our Vision

We deliver excellent, powerful, life-changing theater that challenges our preconceptions of everything. We are an open and inspiring destination to meet, talk, and share experience through community and live performance that is available to everyone. We build a better future with those who watch, work, create, and participate.

Our Story

CST is a leading international theater company and the nation’s largest year-round theater dedicated to the works of Shakespeare. Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Edward Hall and Executive Director Kimberly Motes, the Regional Tony Award recipient engages nearly a quarter of a million people through more than 12 productions each year. Shakespeare is at the heart of the artistic work, illuminating the playwright as a modern writer for our modern world. CST also produces compelling, contemporary stories from fresh artistic voices of today. CST brings the world to Chicago and sends Chicago out into the world as a presenter of international theater and producer of North American and world premieres. Serving more students and teachers than any theater in the city, CST annually welcomes more than 20,000 students to performances and programs like Chicago Shakespeare SLAM, alongside professional development opportunities for teachers. CST activates its campus with three venues: 700-seat The Yard; the 500-seat Jentes Family Courtyard Theater; and the 200-seat Carl and Marilynn Thoma Upstairs Studio. Free programs like Shakes in the City bring performances to parks and community spaces across Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. For nearly four decades, CST has distinguished itself with a spirit of innovation, dynamism, and ambitious vision.

More About Us

Our Team

The thrilling work on our stages would not be possible without our visionary leadership, talented team of theater professionals, and dedicated Board of Directors.

Our Supporters

Chicago Shakespeare gratefully recognizes the gifts and partnerships provided by our hundreds of individual donors and institutions in our digital donor listing.

Our Education Programs

We are committed to providing access to high quality, culturally responsive arts education, and fostering a love for lifelong learning through innovative programming.

SEASON SPONSORS

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is proud to recognize the sustaining partnership of our Season Sponsors,
whose visionary support ensures that we live out our artistic mission for audiences today and for generations to come.

SEASON SPONSORS

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is proud to recognize the sustaining partnership of our Season Sponsors, whose visionary support ensures that we live out our artistic mission for audiences today and for generations to come.

The Grainger Foundation

The Jentes Family

Ray and Judy McCaskey

Paul M. Angell Family Foundation

Burton X. and Sheli Z. Rosenberg

The Segal Family

Carl and Marilynn Thoma