Adelaide Fringe

Fringe Review: Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams

Circus Abyssinia return to the fringe with an awe-inspiring youth circus that stands out from the rest through it’s sheer sense of fun and daring.

In a landscape of amazing circus troupes, Circus Abyssinia has provided something truly fresh and memorable.
5

Reviewed at Gluttony on 16 February 2019

Presented by Bibi and Bichu Tesfamariam

Hailing from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, the Circus Abyssinia returns to the Adelaide Fringe for a sensational show that earned it’s opening night standing ovation.

Juggling brothers Bibi and Bichu Tesfamariam have formed this young troupe from Ethiopian circus schools Circus Wingate and Bita Brothers Circus, but don’t let the young age of the performers deceive you. These extraordinary talents are world-class entertainers, performing feats at a level that many adult circus folk would dream of.

Circus Abyssinia stands out from the other human circuses for its sheer sense of fun. Forgoing the exotic, erotic or quirkiness that most troupes seem to vie for nowadays, Circus Abyssinia brings colour, music, dance and enormous smiles that make the audience was to clap along and cheer throughout. The costumes and lighting are almost as much a feature as the young stars themselves.

The acts include the Chinese Pole, cloth spinning, contortions, hand vaulting, juggling and dance, but nothing beats the showmanship and awe-inpiring young hoola hoop girl. Her speed, skill and overall presentation is, in itself, worth the admission price.

All 17 of the cast are sensational: Fikir Gebremedhin Hussen, Abraham Tadesse Agezom, Tarekegn Teshome Habte, Abraham Lemma Taga, Tesfamichael Bilal Endris, Ermiyas Manayeh Meshesha, Endalkachew Belaynehe Abate, Befekadu Esmael Awol, Daniel Gezahegn Werku, Etsegenet Ashenafi Laglago, Helen Shimeles Merkebe, Semeret Getachew Bekana, Betelhem Dejene Tola, Alemayehu Mulugeta Degenet, Ezera Nigusse Gebremariam, and the adult troupe founders, Bibi and Bichu Tesfamariam. Bravo to all!

In a flooded landscape of amazing circus troupes, Circus Abyssinia has provided something truly fresh and memorable.

Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet

Venue:  The Peacock at Gluttony, Rymill Park, East Tce, Adelaide
Season:  until 17 March 2019
Duration:  1 hour
Tickets:  $27 – $39

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