Summer Circus a Delight at Chicago Shakes

I can think of no better way to escape the heat than to head to Navy Pier which, being out into the lake, usually has a refreshing breeze, and until August 3rd, you can duck into Chicago Shakespeare’s Yard Theatre for a dazzling 80 minutes to enjoy Circus Abyssinia. There is the added bonus that the Chicago Shakes Lobby is one of the best views of the Chicago skyline you can see on land, so it really is a must visit stop this season.

Imported from Ethiopia, this band of men note that this is the first Ethiopian circus created by and for Ethiopian artists.  Circus has a longstanding history but apparently is somewhat new to Ethiopia. This show certainly catches the country up! Director Binyam “Bichu” Shimellis noted that there is a story of boyhood dreams hidden in the acrobatic wonders but I was too enthralled with the silks performer and the balancing artist to care if this show had a plot.  The performers are joyous, and  there is audience participation and this show is perfect for all ages  and languages.

There is something inherently hopeful and optimistic about these African men flying through the air, precipitously balancing on a literal house of cards and falling from great heights to catch themselves in artistic formations. Circus performers have to work together in a way that most performers don’t have to: they literally hold each other's lives in their hands. And so if you wish to think deeply about this show you can see it as a metaphorical representation of a better and brighter world. If you wish just for diversion and entertainment, this show can be only that, too.

Circus Abyssinia Ethiopian Dreams is playing Wednesday through Sundays through August 3, 2025 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier Chicago. For tickets and information go to https://www.chicagoshakes.com/productions/2526-circus-abyssinia/

For a preview of the show go to  CIRCUS ABYSSINIA: ETHIOPIAN DREAMS

For more reviews go to https://www.theatreinchicago.com