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.
JUL 10–AUG 3, 2025
Principal Production Sponsor
JUL 10–AUG 3, 2025
Co-Created & produced by Mehari “Bibi” Tesfamariam
Co-Created & directed by Binyam “Bichu” Shimellis
Written by Cal McCrystal
Choreography by Kate Smyth
The Jentes Family Courtyard Theater
Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams
Co-Created & produced by Mehari “Bibi” Tesfamariam
Co-Created & directed by Binyam “Bichu” Shimellis
Written by Cal McCrystal
Choreography by Kate Smyth
The Jentes Family Courtyard Theater
“★★★★ Sensational entertainment”
“Energy, verve, and astonishing skill… This is extraordinary, irresistible circus”
The world-famous Circus Abyssinia comes to Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier this summer for a limited engagement! You’ll be astounded by heart-stopping acrobatics, stunning feats of juggling, high-flying hilarity, and death-defying tricks—all set to the irresistible beats of Ethiopian music. Inspired by the story of its creators, brothers Mehari “Bibi” Tesfamariam and Binyam “Bichu” Shimellis, the tale follows Little Bibi and Little Bichu who dream of joining the circus. Throughout their journey, they are joined by a host of circus dreamers whose acts of acrobatic daring call up a world of rushing adventure that awakens the possibility of the first Ethiopian circus made by and for Ethiopian artists. This soaring spectacle is the perfect, unforgettable outing for audiences young and old alike.
July 2025
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2:00 PM / Thursday , Jul 10
11:00 AM / Saturday , Jul 12
2:00 PM / Saturday , Jul 12
2:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 13
5:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 13
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7:00 PM / Wednesday , Jul 16
2:00 PM / Thursday , Jul 17
2:00 PM / Friday , Jul 18
7:00 PM / Friday , Jul 18
11:00 AM / Saturday , Jul 19
2:00 PM / Saturday , Jul 19
2:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 20
5:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 20
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7:00 PM / Wednesday , Jul 23
2:00 PM / Thursday , Jul 24
2:00 PM / Friday , Jul 25
7:00 PM / Friday , Jul 25
11:00 AM / Saturday , Jul 26
2:00 PM / Saturday , Jul 26
2:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 27
5:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 27
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7:00 PM / Wednesday , Jul 30
2:00 PM / Thursday , Jul 31
Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
July 2025
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2:00 PM / Thursday , Jul 10
11:00 AM / Saturday , Jul 12
2:00 PM / Saturday , Jul 12
2:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 13
5:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 13
14
15
7:00 PM / Wednesday , Jul 16
2:00 PM / Thursday , Jul 17
2:00 PM / Friday , Jul 18
7:00 PM / Friday , Jul 18
11:00 AM / Saturday , Jul 19
2:00 PM / Saturday , Jul 19
2:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 20
5:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 20
21
22
7:00 PM / Wednesday , Jul 23
2:00 PM / Thursday , Jul 24
2:00 PM / Friday , Jul 25
7:00 PM / Friday , Jul 25
11:00 AM / Saturday , Jul 26
2:00 PM / Saturday , Jul 26
2:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 27
5:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 27
28
29
7:00 PM / Wednesday , Jul 30
2:00 PM / Thursday , Jul 31
Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
“★★★★★ One of the best acts ever seen.”
“Joy-fueled talent at its purest.”
“Some of the most talented jugglers, tumblers, and contortionists you’re likely to ever see…a journey worth taking”
“Experience the richness of culture, outstanding talent and exuberant joy that modern Ethiopians have to offer”
Artists
Mehari “Bibi” Tesfamariam
Co-Creator and Producer
Binyam “Bichu” Shimellis
Co-Creator, Director, and Producer
Cal McCrystal
Writer
Spotlight
Meet Co-Creators Bibi and Bichu
A Note from the Director
“This is the first Ethiopian circus created by and for Ethiopian artists, and my hope is [it] will help create a space in the world for many more,” shares Bichu.
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.
“How two brothers became Africa’s biggest circus duo”
The Guardian (UK) profiles Bibi and Bichu’s journey to dazzling audiences around the world: “We wanted to make circus with our culture and to express ourselves.”
Principal Production Sponsor
