Review

Circus Ethiopia
Preston Park Big Top -13th May 1998

Circus Ethiopia is not just a good evening out, it is an experience that will change you. Like a gush of fresh air the circus immediately livens the senses as you realise you are witnessing something truly amazing.

What you get is an hour and a half of non-stop acrobatics, dancing, music, juggling and smiles. Yes, the smiles, don't forget the smiles. Ethiopia, a country for so long associated with misery, has another side to it. Pure joy and spirit radiate from those gleaming teeth.
The performers are all children or youths, their talents multi. Backflips flip alongside impossible human sculptures. Bright costumes and funky music played on strange harp-like guitars complement these majestic players, as beautiful as they are supple.
It is even more amazing when you think the troupe was made up of Street kids who otherwise would be begging for a living.
In 1991, A French teacher, frustrated by seeing the poverty on the streets of Addis Addaba taught a bunch of children basic circus tricks so they could earn a small living perfoming on the streets. There are now 1000 members of this circus - these are the cream.
What a refresing contrast to the computer generated amusements offered up to our youngsters these days. Don't just take my word for it, take your kids, take yourself... you won't regret it.

Ross Bentley


Circus Ethiopia Preston Park Big Top -13th May 1998
	Circus Ethiopia is not just a good evening out, it is an experience that will change you. Like a gush of fresh air the circus immediately livens the senses as you realise you are witnessing something truly amazing.
	What you get is an hour and a half of non-stop acrobatics, dancing, music, juggling and smiles. Yes, the smiles, don't forget the smiles. Ethiopia, a country for so long associated with misery, has another side to it. Pure joy and spirit radiate from those gleaming teeth. The performers are all children or youths, their talents multi. Backflips flip alongside impossible human sculptures. Bright costumes and funky music played on strange harp-like guitars complement these majestic players, as beautiful as they are supple. It is even more amazing when you think the troupe was made up of Street kids who otherwise would be begging for a living. In 1991, A French teacher, frustrated by seeing the poverty on the streets of Addis Addaba taught a bunch of children basic circus tricks so they could earn a small living perfoming on the streets. There are now 1000 members of this circus - these are the cream. What a refresing contrast to the computer generated amusements offered up to our youngsters these days. Don't just take my word for it, take your kids, take yourself... you won't regret it.
	Ross Bentley