Around this time last year, I had the huge privilege to travel to Berlin and to review the Chamaeleon Theatre show at the time, “Underart“. I was overjoyed to get to return this year to review their most recent show “Parade”.
But before I go into the show, I just want to remind you of what I said about the space last year. There are few places in the world that I find as beautiful as old theatres, and the Chamaeleon is no exception. It used to be a ballroom and all its art nouveau details are perfectly visible and sumptuous. They only stage two shows a year, and each show runs for about 6 months.
The Chamaeleon only performs “new circus” which is an amalgamation of circus skills (contortion, gymnastics, juggling, hoops, etc), with live music, physical theatre and movement, dance, acting and even singing sometimes. These are consummate performers. Having now seen two shows at the theatre – that were hugely different in tone and theme – the one thing that continues to weigh on my mind is how amazing the human body is. I can talk till I’m blue in the face about body positivity, but until you are wowed by the extremes of what someone who is trained to push their body to the edge can do, will you appreciate what your own body does.
“Parade” is directed by Brendan Shelper and explores ideas about coming together as a group, discovering yourself as an individual and the masks that we all wear. I really appreciated the interactive video installations during this performance, as well as the highly evocative soundtrack (which I’ve actually already downloaded. If you want to download it as well, you just need to subscribe to the troupe’s newsletter. There’s a particularly excellent cover of “You’re The One That I Want” by Lo-Fang)
The cast was wholly global with performers from all over the world. In particular, I was overcome by the performer Beata Surmiak. I thought she was stellar. I’ve never seen anyone move their body to the extent that she is able to. I felt some disconnect from the breakdancing performer (Alvaro Lopez) but as I understood it, he was rehearsed in quite late in the process after the injury of their original breakdancer. I’m confident that further down the run of the show he’ll be more connected to the other cast members.
It’s a powerful piece of theatre, and I left the theatre feeling revitalised and uplifted.
I found the whole experience unbelievably joyful and I’d undoubtedly recommend an evening at the Chamaeleon to anyone spending time in Berlin. Seriously, if you are planning a trip to Berlin, book tickets. Tickets start at €37. You can see “Parade” until 18 February 2018.
The Chamaeleon Theater is located at Rosenthaler Str 40/41, 10178 Berlin.
* This photo is property of the Chamaeleon, used with their permission.*
* This photo is property of the Chamaeleon, used with their permission.*
* This photo is property of the Chamaeleon, used with their permission.*
* This photo is property of the Chamaeleon, used with their permission.* 
* This photo is property of the Chamaeleon, used with their permission.* 
* This photo is property of the Chamaeleon, used with their permission.* 
* This photo is property of the Chamaeleon, used with their permission.*
Did I mention that you can get table service of food and drink throughout the show?
Would you book tickets to see a new circus production?
****I was a guest of the Chamaeleon Theater, but all opinions are solely my own. ***
