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August 12–13, 2023

Abe African Circus

Circus Performance

Ethiopia

abe african circus

Photo courtesy of the artist

Overview

Abe African Circus features incredible balancing acts, mesmerizing juggling displays and acrobatic feats at the Habari Africa Festival! Born in Ethiopia, Abebe Atlebachew is a circus performer, dancer, choreographer and director, and has performed all over the world. He shares the struggle of migration through his art of circus. 

About Abebe Atlebachew

Circus performer, dancer, choreographer and director, Abebe Atlebachew has performed all over the world. Originally from Ethiopia, beginning circus at the age of 10, Abebe heard about performers in China utilising a ladder in their routine and decided to try it himself. He practised, watched YouTube videos and taught himself tricks until he had a masterful routine. Abebe believes that life is like a ladder; full of ups and downs Abebe received a diploma from Addis Africa Circus school, training in disciplines such as free-standing ladder, dance, drama and music, and won the Addis Africa Circus award in 2013. 

Landing his first international contract in 2012 in Turkey, performing dance and ladder for a 6-month run, Abe continued book various international contracts over the next 6 years.  This included an African cultural show in Germany in 2014: Mother Africa Circus, which toured throughout Europe in 2016, Hong Kong Wonderland show at Ocean Park, and touring throughout United States in 2018, performing dance and free-standing ladder, and Cirque Zuma Zuma in United States performing dance and bounce juggling and the Canadian Wonderland team park, Raptors halftime show and Canada’s Got Talent and local events.   

Already having a full touring career, Abebe is now based in Toronto, Canada.  As he learns more about the Toronto circus community, and Canadian culture, he’s producing his own shows with different African dances, he shares the struggle of migration through his art of circus.  

Dates & Times

August 12
6pm – 6:30pm

August 13
5pm – 5:30pm

Venue

Stage in the Park

235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON