Celebrating their 15th year, the Chamäleon Theatre in Berlin are dedicated to presenting New Circus from all over the world in their stunning venue. With internationally-acclaimed companies designing their shows especially to fit inside the Chamäleon Theatre, it’s a truly special experience. Their new show Memories of Fools goes above and beyond to create an utterly entertaining evening.
Having visited the Chamäleon Theatre seven times now, I am constantly amazed as to how they manage such diverse programming. Whilst still bringing you the newest and freshest circus talent from around the globe, every show has a distinct feel. Just when I think I’ve seen it all, they bring even more to their stage.
This season’s show, Memories of Fools, is the latest work by Cirk La Putyka’s. It’s the most playful and imaginative production I’ve seen at the Chamäleon as you are transported into a brilliantly bizarre world as they combine comedy and circus to create a truly joyous show. It’s an extraordinary piece of circus that manages to capture your inner child.
From the colourful costumes to the bright and flamboyant set, it really is a visual feast for the eyes as we are taken on a real journey. It’s a show with a distinct narrative that is utterly mesmerising. We meet a young boy with the dream to one day become an astronaut and we watch his dreams become a reality through expressive movement and animated characters. It’s a beautiful tale about taking off and learning how to fly with juggling, aerial hoop, Cyr Wheel and many more thrilling tricks.
One of the most fantastic parts of the show is the way they integrate the audience and break down the fourth wall. Whilst watching the show you feel as if you’re part of it. One superb moment was a magic trick that involved an audience member’s phone – it is a seriously tense few minutes and I know I’d of been frightened if I were picked on.
I am a real sucker for puppetry and it is used in such a charming way in this show. It really sets the tone of the narrative and you find yourself instantly connecting to the characters. Whilst being encapsulated by the story, I found myself being even more shocked by the jaw-dropping circus tricks. The director Rostislav Novak cleverly integrates these moments of stillness between the craziness to remind you of the remarkable precision, skill and strength of these performers.
In act one you are sucked into the storytelling, but act two is a ridiculously fun party. It takes abstract to a new level and it’s like being in a glorious ball of energy and excitement. The characters are exuberant and the music is extraordinary as the ambience is cranked up a notch to be even crazier than ever.
I adore coming to the Chamäleon Theatre, because it’s not just seeing a circus show, it really is an experience. It’s a mixture of cultures and imaginations as each show pushes the boundary even further when it comes to both the breathtaking performance and the company’s mindblowing circus skills.
We are invited into the delightfully chaotic world of Memories of Fools and the evening of circus is entirely enchanting. Giving you permission to re-discover your inner child, this show has you on the edge of your seat one minute and belly laughing the next. It’s a beautifully nostalgic and totally theatrical production about the daring dreams of childhood – it is sheer joy!
Find out more about Memories of Fools at the Chamäleon Theatre in Berlin on their website.
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