Birhanu Taddese performs during a show for the public at the Fekat Circus compound on May 26, 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Taddese has dwarfism and ran away from home at age 8 or 9 because of his abusive father. Taddese spent time in the street, a juvenile detention center and an nongovernment organization before finally finding the Fekat Circus.

Children leave the Fekat Circus Compound in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on May 16, 2013. Every week night members of the circus train local children in the community how to do circus activities. The members hope the circus trainings will give them confidence and they'll stay out of trouble.

Birhanu Taddese lifts weights at the Fekat Circus compound on May 19, 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Lifting weights is a part of his morning routine. Taddese lives at the circus with the other 11 performers. Even more men sleep in the compound depending on the night.

Members of the Fekat Circus practice a dance routine at the Fekat Circus compound on May 8, 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Birhanu Taddese helps Sadko Ade during children's training at the Fekat Circus compound on May 22, 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Children's trainings are held every week night at the compound. Taddese helps with trainings as well as works as a "doctor clown" with other circus performers at the local hospital's pediatric ward. Taddese became interested in circus arts when there were circus trainings at a nongovernment organization he was living at. Before finding the circus, Taddese was very self conscious about his size.

Birhanu Taddese juggles during a rehearsal at the Fekat Circus compound on May 19, 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Birhanu Taddese carries fellow circus performer Solomon Blacha while Ibida Akiliu and Micky Yaregal walk behind after getting coffee at a local cafe on May 23, 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Birhanu Taddese walks home from a night of drinking with other members of the Fekat Circus on May 18, 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.