Chicago, IL – July 16, 2025
Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier has welcomed a thrilling burst of international performance to its summer season with “Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams,” a limited engagement that dazzles audiences with acrobatics, storytelling, and cultural celebration.
The 70-minute show, performed in the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater, is a high-energy fusion of movement and music, filled with awe-inspiring feats of strength, flexibility, and coordination. From gravity-defying tumblers to mesmerizing contortionists and lightning-speed jugglers, the production has quickly become a favorite for families and theatergoers of all ages. At its core, Ethiopian Dreams tells the real-life story of brothers Mehari “Bibi” Tesfamariam and Binyam “Bichu” Shimellis, who grew up in Jimma, Ethiopia, where they taught themselves circus arts with homemade props and unwavering determination. After years of performing on city streets, the brothers went on to found Circus Abyssinia, the first professional Ethiopian circus company, giving talented performers from their homeland an international platform.
The performance is co-created and directed by Bichu Shimellis, written by Cal McCrystal, and choreographed by Kate Smyth. Set to a vibrant soundtrack of traditional and modern Ethiopian music, Ethiopian Dreams pays tribute to the troupe’s cultural roots while celebrating human creativity and resilience.
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From the moment the lights dim, audiences are drawn into a world where physical limits are pushed and imagination reigns. The intimate theater setting allows guests to witness up-close the sheer precision and artistry of the performers, whose movements frequently draw spontaneous applause and audible gasps from the crowd.
This production aligns seamlessly with Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s long-standing commitment to bringing global voices and innovative storytelling to its stages. Since its opening on Navy Pier in 1999, the theater has built a reputation for presenting classic works with fresh vision while also showcasing bold new performances from around the world.
Following the run of Ethiopian Dreams, Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s upcoming season includes a reimagined production of Much Ado About Nothing, set in 1940s Chicago, and a world premiere adaptation of The Tempest incorporating modern dance and multimedia elements. The season promises to continue the theater’s mission of embracing diverse perspectives and expanding the boundaries of traditional performance. With Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams, the theater once again affirms its role as a cultural hub in Chicago—one that invites local audiences to experience the extraordinary stories and talents of artists from across the globe.
By Lina Shah, Freelance writer
A Freelance writer, Editor, Teacher, Social worker, Financial professional, a multi-talented suburban Chicagoland wife and a mother of two, also enjoys cooking, social gathering, and event planning.
