Circus Abyssinia: Tulu, showing at the New Victory Theater, offers viewers an experience into Ethiopian culture, as well as a look back into Olympic history.

Note: I received media tickets to the show for review purposes. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

The main idea behind Circus Abyssinia: Tulu is to honor Ethiopian runner Derartu Tulu’s 1992 gold medal win through song, dance and visual storytelling.

And while this is wonderful done, the show itself also brings the "feel" of Ethiopian culture to an outside audience. It is a great way to expose kids and families to Ethiopian talents and skills.

Overall here are three features families will enjoy

Visual Storytelling

Most of the storytelling of Circus Abyssinia: Tulu is done by movement and visual props. There's real flag waving, there's Olympic moments reenactments, there's contortionist. All of it speaking on it own with clear interpretations. All of it amazing.

Ethio-pop Music

Lots of the performances are backed with very cool sounding Ethiopian music, which both suits the performances and also sets the joyful mood for the audience.

Fire!

Seriously there's real fire. I was so amazed as I watched the performers juggle, jump through hoops and use the fire props. It was so exciting and a highlight for the audience.

Behind Circus Abyssinia

Circus Abyssinia - Tulu



While I gave 3 reasons to get tickets to see Circus Abyssinia: Tulu, I also wanted to share some behind the scene information from the producer and co-creator Mehari “Bibi” Tesfamariam and director and co-creator Binyam “Bichu” Shimellis.

Circus Abyssinia is the first circus created entirely by Ethiopian artists, all pursuing their dreams from the humble streets of Jimma to the world stage. Founded in 2017 by two brothers, Bibi and Bichu, Circus Abyssinia celebrates Ethiopian culture and Ethiopian excellence through visual and musical forms of storytelling and stunning feats of acrobatic daring.

The show takes its name from Ethiopian distance runner and Olympic legend, Derartu Tulu. Meaning both “valley” and “mountain heights”, the name Tulu plays out in the show’s dazzling feats of speed, skill and flight, in a runner’s pursuit of her horizon, all the way from Ethiopia’s Arsi highlands to her Olympic triumph.

The show also pays tribute to the great Ethiopian women and warriors of contemporary and bygone years, usually overlooked by the history books, who came before Derartu and inspired her to run.

It is significant that the starring role is a shared one in the show: every female cast member takes a turn playing Derartu, signifying her legacy as a champion for women’s rights and a trailblazer for female athletes and artists who are now following in her footsteps in Ethiopia.

Circus Abyssinia: Tulu

Returning for the holidays from December 9 through January 1, Circus Abyssinia: Tulu is a high-spirited spectacle of speed, sport and skill!

Tulu honors Ethiopian runner Derartu Tulu's trailblazing 1992 gold medal win with a nonstop marathon of aerial acts and all the excitement of the Olympic Games. Juggling flags and flames to the sounds of ’70s funk and modern-day Ethio-pop, this tribute to teamwork showcases the incredible athleticism and artistry of Ethiopian circus and the pride that Tulu’s triumph inspired.

Tulu is recommended for ages 5+

The New Victory Theater

The New Victory Theater welcomes audiences to experience performances in person, as well as pre- and post-show activities in the lower lobby, and continues to offer select on-demand options for at-home streaming.

Full price tickets range from $20 to $69 based on seating location and show. Theatergoers who buy tickets to three or more New Victory shows automatically save 40% on tickets all year long and qualify for free Membership benefits, including free unlimited exchanges up to 48 hours in advance of performance, early access to New Victory programming and savings on New Victory Family Workshops.

Learn more, visit - www.NewVictory.org