The start of the summer always feels close when the Underbelly spiegeltent arrives on the South Bank. In fact, this year is rather special, as Underbelly celebrates its 10th anniversary with its biggest programme yet, including an impressive four international circus shows.
Underbelly is a six-month long festival celebrating the best in new circus, comedy, cabaret and family entertainment. The showground has the feel of a secret garden on the South Bank with whimsical flowers and lanterns plus gourmet street food stalls and bars, so you can really make a night of it.
Kicking off the season is headlining show Ethiopian Dreams by the acclaimed Circus Abyssinia. Written by Cal McCrystal, this joyful, vibrant show tells the autobiographical and fictional story of two young Ethiopian brothers, Bibi and Bichu, who have a shared dream of joining the circus.
The opening scene transports you to Ethiopia with an uplifting mix of traditional African dance, rhythmic music and typical ankara print clothes. The characters of Bibi and Bichu are first taken on by talented youngsters Ezera Nigusse and Alemayehu Mulugeta, who show off their acrobatic skills, hand-vaulting from the outstretched arms of their elders.
As they journey through circus life, they encounter two girls who perform a mesmerising snake dance, mirroring the naturally slinky contortions and nonchalant characteristics of the flexible animal.
Another highlight of the show is a colourful cloth-spinning number, where the girls balance on each other’s hip bones. It’s also impossible not to be charmed by the hapless tight-rope-walking clown and enjoy the comical audience participation.
The young boys grow to be world-class jugglers, as the real-life brothers Bibi and Bichu Tesfamariam take centre stage, performing a slick juggling act with a swinging jazz soundtrack. The show ends with one big party, as eight of the guys climb the vertiginous double Chinese pole and tumble down with their own unique style to thumping Ethiopian club music.
Ethopian Dreams is a sunny, gleeful show with more than a few jaw-dropping moments and unbelievable stunts. While some circus productions can be quite conceptual and arty, Circus Abyssinia’s show is family-friendly and accessible – simply joyful from start to finish.
Ethiopian Dreams by Circus Abyssinia runs until 20th May at Underbelly Festival, Southbank Centre, London. For more information and tickets, visit: www.underbellyfestival.com
Chérie City was a guest of Underbelly Festival
Photos courtesy of Underbelly – by Andrey Petrov, Matilda Temperley and Andy Phillipson
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