Edinburgh Fringe 2022: Circus Abyssinia – Tulu at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows

After their 2017 UK debut show, Ethiopian Dreams, Circus Abyssinia returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with a new repertoire of dazzling circus stunts in Tulu. The talented members of the troupe were discovered and brought together by brothers Bibi and Bichu Tesfamariam. In 2010, having mastered the art of juggling and booking successful performances around the UK, the brothers decided to sponsor a circus school, Circus Wingate, in their home country of Ethiopia. The school was designed with the goal of fostering the dreams and skills of the next generation of Ethiopian performers with a passion for circus arts. This dedication is easy to see in the remarkable performances here. 

Tulu takes its name from Derartu Tulu, the Ethiopian long-distance runner who made history as the first African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in 1992. As a celebration of Ethiopian excellence, it is fitting that the show features an all-Ethiopian cast performing extreme physical undertakings with great prowess. The production spotlights a large variety of daredevil stunts and feats of human physicality, from superhuman contortion to aerial acrobatics to fire-juggling. Standout performances come from a pair of contortionists who balance on their stomachs while their legs move in synchronisation over their heads, a man balancing one hand on a pole while moving his torso from side to side in the air, and an aerial performer who holds the splits many feet above the ground, suspended between two pieces of silk.

The acts vary in intensity and fear factor, as the most daring acts are interspersed between equally impressive, though somewhat less hazardous ones. Among the most awe-inspiring stunts are the ones featuring human beings being flung through the air, twisting through space and coming fearfully close to the ground before being caught (sometimes by a man on roller skates). When a group of men leap through a hoop of fire, audible gasps from the audience can be heard each time. Similarly breathtaking were two fire jugglers who at various points balanced the flaming sticks on the edges of their chins. 

In addition to the incredible acts of strength, flexibility and pure fearlessness displayed by the Circus Abyssinia Troupe in Tulu, the performers also exude extreme charisma. They dance under multicoloured lights and clap to the lively music that accompanies each routine. They turn to the audience and engage directly with them, their smiles and zealous movements encouraging viewers to match their vibrant energy. All of these elements come together to make Tulu an enthralling watch, leaving viewers young and old alike with a sense of wonder and amazement at the fantastic spirit of the Circus Abyssinia troupe.

Madison Sotos

Edinburgh Fringe 2022: Circus Abyssinia – Tulu is at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows from 24^th August until 27^th August 2022. For further information or to book visit here.

For further information about Edinburgh Fringe 2022 visit the festival website here.

Watch a trailer for the production here: