The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) will present the Middle East debut of Yé ! | Water! by Guinea’s Circus Baobab, a high-energy fusion of contemporary West African circus, hip hop, and powerful environmental storytelling. This spectacular, family-friendly show will be staged on Friday, May 9 at 7:30pm and Saturday, May 10 at 3pm in The Red Theater at The Arts Center at NYUAD. Set against the backdrop of Guinea’s vibrant traditions and modern realities, Yé ! | Water! is a vital and visually stunning experience – a perfect summer entertainment option for families, students, and art lovers across Abu Dhabi.
Using African circus in a dynamic and poetic expression of environmental issues, Yé ! | Water! is a call to build a better world for tomorrow together – one in which humans take better care of nature and its future. Aligning with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to building a sustainable future and a cast of flying acrobats, contortionists, breakdancers, and musicians, Yé ! | Water! delivers a compelling and urgent message about the global water crisis. The production transforms circus into a vibrant, thought-provoking art form that celebrates culture, resilience, and the power of human connection.
Executive Artistic Director at The Arts Center at NYUAD Bill Bragin commented: “Since the beginning of The Arts Center a decade ago, sustainability and the environment have been recurring themes in our programming. We’ve also made a strong commitment to contemporary circus as a form which is hugely entertaining for the whole family, while also being able to engage in conversations about important issues. Circus Baobab’s Yé brings both of these interests together, in a dynamic circus performance of West African acrobatics and hip-hop dance, inspired by the prevalence of single-use plastic water bottles in our lives.”
Through pyramids, aerial choreography, and kinetic storytelling, the artists of Circus Baobab take audiences on a journey through the environmental challenges facing our planet. As they leap, lift, and defy gravity, the performers symbolically reflect humanity’s struggle and resilience in the face of ecological collapse. Their movements become a visual metaphor for both fragility and strength, urging viewers of all ages to take action for a sustainable future.
The May 9 performance will feature a post-show Q&A moderated by Chinasa Ezugha, Assistant Arts Professor of Live Art/Art as Social Practice in the Theater program at NYU Abu Dhabi, offering a deeper insight into the themes and creative process behind the production.
As part of the Off the Stage presented by Mubadala series, The Arts Center will also host a special Acrobatics Workshop led by Circus Baobab on Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30pm, open to participants aged 12 and older. The workshop introduces techniques such as balancing, human pyramids, and creative games designed to build trust and community through movement. Open to participants with varying styles and levels, it’s an ideal opportunity for circus enthusiasts, dancers, and curious learners to connect with the company’s unique physical language.
Listings information
Event: Yé ! | Water! by Circus Baobab
Date: Friday, May 9 at 7:30pm and Saturday, May 10 at 3pm
Venue: The Red Theater at The NYUAD Arts Center
Visit here for details and tickets
Event: Acrobatic workshopby Circus Baobab
Date: Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30pm
Venue: The NYUAD Arts Center
