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Circus Abyssinia has an inspiring backstory: It was formed by two Ethiopian brothers, jugglers Binyam "Bichu" Tesfamariam and Mehari "Bibi" Tesfamariam, who became obsessed with the circus as children when they were given a VHS of a Cirque du Soleil performance. That was in the 1990s and there wasn't much of a circus tradition in their homeland then. So, they ended up studying and launching their careers in the UK. As they became more successful, they sponsored a circus school in Ethiopia, which is where they found most of the members of their company.

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Circus Abyssinia is light on story but packs a punch when it comes to thrilling acts.

Admittedly, Tulu's connection to its namesake is tenuous—it opens with a recording of a reporter chronicling her landmark win as the two female cast members run energetically across the stage. Later, there are visuals evoking the Olympics, including the five multicolored rings during a hoops tumbling sequence and the juggling of fiery torches. But let's face it: You don't go to the circus for the story; sensational acts are what keep you captivated, and there are plenty.

It's no surprise my teenage daughter, who's been studying flying trapeze for years, was most impressed by Daniel Amera Seid, an aerialist of spectacular grace and strength. A new addition to the company, he performed two acts: hand balancing with absolutely no wobbling in his arms or legs, and a mesmerizing aerial straps routine, during which he twirled high above our heads as he contorted into thrilling poses.

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Contortionist Semeret Getachew Bekana was a marvel to watch.

Speaking of contortion, Semeret Getachew Bekana is one of the most flexible people I have ever seen. She crawled onstage like an inverted crab, and after each impossible position she paused and flashed a proud smile—she's earned the right to gloat! Later, Bekana spins fabric with her hands and feet alongside Betelhem Dejene Tola as Circus Abyssinia founders Bichu and Bibi juggle fiery torches. It's hard to know where to look!

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The acrobatics in Tulu are impressive and athletic.

A superb acrobat, the petite Tola stars in multiple segments. In the hand vaulting routine, she's repeatedly thrown in the air and, at one point, used as a jump rope! Later, during a heart-stopping roller-skating duet with Befekadu Esmael Awol, she spins both on wheels and in the air, as her partner swings her around by her arms and legs.

Apparently, Tola also does the Russian Swing—a massive contraption that, with the help of a little manpower, propels acrobats into midair somersaults. Although she didn't participate at the performance we attended, the male athletes certainly kept us entertained as they soared across the stage, always landing with an audible thud on a plush mat. The momentum's no joke!

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Ethiopian culture is celebrated in many ways throughout Circus Abyssinia's Tulu.

In addition to being a fine time at the circus, Tulu gives audiences a taste of Ethiopian culture through Feven Alem's eye-catching costumes; Tamrat Ejet and Bichu's charming choreography, including a rousing flag-waving sequence; and the soundtrack, an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary songs from the country. It moves briskly, so even though the suggested minimum age is 5, I think kids as young as 3 will be into it.

COVID precautions mean masks are required, there's no intermission, and families can no longer meet the performers downstairs. But the cast frequently interacts with the audience from the stage, letting circus-struck kids feel like they're part of the show, if only from their seats.

Circus Abyssinia: Tulu is playing at the New Victory Theater through Sunday, January 1, 2023. Tickets start at $25.

Unless noted, photos by Alexis Buatti Ramos