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
Run Time: 80 minutes (including intermission)
Suitable for all audiences of all ages
“★★★★ 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
2:00 PM / Thursday , Jul 10
7:00 PM / Friday , Jul 11
11:00 AM / Saturday , Jul 12
2:00 PM / Saturday , Jul 12
2:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 13
5:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 13
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
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
7:00 PM / Wednesday , Jul 30
2:00 PM / Thursday , Jul 31
Run Time: 80 minutes (including intermission)
Suitable for all audiences of all ages
July 2025
2:00 PM / Thursday , Jul 10
7:00 PM / Friday , Jul 11
11:00 AM / Saturday , Jul 12
2:00 PM / Saturday , Jul 12
2:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 13
5:00 PM / Sunday , Jul 13
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
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
7:00 PM / Wednesday , Jul 30
2:00 PM / Thursday , Jul 31
“★★★★★ 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”