Chamaeleon Theatre in Berlin is one of the best venues in the world to watch new circus and its programme is always inspiring and varied. Not only does it attract the very best international circus companies, but its exquisite cabaret-style set up really elevates the atmosphere and sense of anticipation.
I was thrilled to be invited back again to check out its latest show, CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW. I was really looking forward to this show, as many performers and reviewers have spoken so highly of Brisbane-based CIRCA – and they have been named the ‘rock stars of the circus world’, after all.
You might recognise Circa’s PEEPSHOW from its summer residency at London’s Underbelly, however this was an abridged, one-hour festival show in a Spiegeltent. CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW was specially created with the Chamaeleon in mind and it’s clear that this conceptual two-part show needs the time to breath and play out to its full extent.
The Show
While many of the shows I seen at the Chamaeleon have been arty, emotional or raucous, none have been as unashamedly sexy as CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW. But you guessed that already from the name, right? What you might not expect, however, is the psychological meandering of this provocative show, set in two distinctly different parts.
Created by Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz and Associate Director Libby McDonnell, the show explores the concept of being watched and how human behaviour changes when we are being observed or when we think we are alone. It begins with the performers mirroring each other’s movements and balancing on each other like structures, as well as a fun surprise (which I won’t spoil by revealing).
Part One
This first part is all about voyeurism and the seven artists are playful and keen to show off to the audience. Their bodies are purposely exposed in simple nude lycra underwear and glitzy sequin hotpants. The constant glow of the neon ‘peepshow’ sign and retro fringe curtain also add to the sense of exhibitionism and self-aware performance.
Nathan Knowles’ solo vignette celebrates the splendour of the body seen from pretty much all angles and Giulia Scamaria’s enigmatic rope performance is mesmerising. We were all rather taken with Jessica Connell, who brings a touch of burlesque with a coquettish, ironic ‘striptease’ and a truly impressive hula hoop dance.
Part Two
In the second part, the mood instantly becomes dark and intense as the stage is flooded in red neon light. The audience reciprocation is severed, so we can simply observe the performers as their behaviour becomes more wild, erratic and twitchy.
The scene switches from their private inner torment to letting it all go in a club setting with pulsating music. Many of the shows I’ve seen at Chamaeleon are enhanced by live music, but CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW focuses purely on the high-energy acrobatics and dance. Saying that, the music is perfectly-curated and includes a poignant version of Sweet Dreams for the finale.
CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW is such a high calibre show and very different in style and tone to other new circus performances. It’s seductive, raw and thought-provoking – a real must-see!
Here are a few more spots to check out while in Berlin…
SEE
Hamburger Bahnhof Museum
Hamburger Bahnhof Museum is a stunning contemporary art museum that was originally the terminus of the railway line between Hamburg and Berlin, established in 1846. Its late Neoclassical style was designed by the architect and railway pioneer Friedrich Neuhaus and today, it’s preserved as the city’s only train station remaining from that era.
It closed as a railway station in 1884 and was subsequently used as an exhibition hall before incurring major damages in WWII and laying dormant during the division of Germany. After significant renovation, it reopened in 1996 as a museum of contemporary art for works of the collection of the Nationalgalerie and the Marx Collection.
We saw a few exhibitions there, but the most enjoyable was The Collections with works by Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Joseph Beuys and Carolee Scheemann.
Urban Spree
If you’re looking for a slower pace on the weekend, head to the outdoor wonderland that is Urban Spree. It’s a 1700 sqm artistic space in Berlin-Friedrichshain dedicated to urban culture with exhibitions, artist residencies, skate park, climbing wall, market and outdoor Biergarten with plenty of rum cocktails, vegan street food and if you’re lucky, sunshine.
Stroll around and take in the creative graffiti, alternative music and chilled-out atmosphere. It’s also conveniently close to the East Side Gallery, so you can really make a day of it.
EAT
Shiso Burger
The Chamaeleon Theatre is conveniently close to Berlin’s cool restaurants and bars around Auguststraße and Shiso Burger has been on my list for a while. It’s a popular, casual burger joint with an Asian twist and we were fortunate to score a walk-in table before the show. We started with some steamed edamame and indulged in delicious burgers – Wagyu beef, marinated tuna and veggie – packed inside fluffy bao-style buns and accompanied by hot, crispy sweet potato fries.
Brammibal’s Donuts
On my free day in Berlin, I explored the pretty, leafy Kreuzberg neighbourhood and just had to stop by Brammibal’s Donuts. This hip all-vegan donut and coffee shop offers dairy-free donuts in creative flavours such as rosehip jam, pumpkin spice & cream cheese, nougat and Boston Cream. I tried the Maple smoked coconut donut, which was suprisingly light and fluffy with excellent salty-sweet glaze. Definitely the best vegan donut I’ve ever had.
The Visit Coffee Roastery
The Visit Coffee Roastery, espresso bar and kitchen is a great new addition to Berlin’s speciality coffee shop scene. Tucked away in a peaceful Kreuzberg mews, The Visit is a sleek, minimalist space where the vibe is chilled and the drinks are taken seriously. They do a great Iced matcha latte and you can get a healthy brunch there on weekends.
STAY
Holiday Inn Berlin – Centre Alexanderplatz
This towering hotel at Alexanderplatz was our base for two nights and I found it comfortable, modern and well-located in a convenient part of town. The bed and shower in my room were of a high standard and the generous buffet breakfast had everything you could want, including freshly-made pancakes with a choice of natural syrups.
Circa’s PEEPSHOW runs at Chamaeleon Theatre until 17th February. For more information and booking, visit: www.chamaeleonberlin.com
Thanks to Chamaeleon Theatre, Holiday Inn Berlin – Centre Alexanderplatz and Berlin WelcomeCard for a great trip to Berlin.
All photos by Chérie City
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