In Showdown, seven acrobats compete night after night in an extraordinary casting show in order to be chosen as the “New Face of the Circus”. Led by a charismatic host, the audience is invited to join in and choose the winner of the coveted prize. As the game progresses, we learn more and more about the individual and shared experiences of the contestants, seeing connections and conflicts emerge as they gradually begin to question the game….
Powerful, relatable and simply a good night out, Showdown brings narrative contemporary circus to the Chamäleon stage. Standout acrobatics combine with entertaining satire through spoken word elements penned by rising comedy star Athena Kugblenu, all set to a captivating soundtrack of UK hip hop, grime and Afrobeat by London-based musician Afrikan Boy.
The first collaboration between award-winning British company Upswing and the Chamäleon, Showdown will celebrate its world premiere in Berlin in February 2024. A playful exploration of power and competition that sweeps us along in the process.
Runtime: Tue, 23/04/2024 to Sun, 28/07/2024
A Co-Production by Upswing & Chamäleon Berlin
Directed by Vicki Dela Amedume
Written by Athena Kugblenu
Music by Afrikan Boy
Photos by Manuel Harlan