Showtime at the contemporary Circus Chamäleon in Berlin

The Chamäleon Circus in Berlin

In the heart of Berlin, you will find Chamäleon, a German theatre specialising in a new type of circus. Featuring acrobatics, theatre, dance, audiovisual presentations, storytelling and music. This is a circus with a modern spin. I am glad to say that an important player missing from the traditional travelling circus is the animal. And also there is no tent. This means that the venue remains the same, but the shows and the artists are changing. Innovative circus performers from all over the world flock to Berlin for a few months to a year to perform at the Chamäleon theatre.

Hackesche Höfe

The theatre is located on Hackesche Höfe, a historic courtyard built during the Belle Époque. This complex miraculously survived the Second World War almost unscathed. In addition to the Chamäleon theatre, there are various restaurants, apartments, offices and cafés on the square. It is within walking distance of the Hackescher Markt train station. A vaulted entrance on Rosenthaler Straße provides access to the courtyard, where you also find the box office.

Circus with a modern twist

The Jugendstil courtyard was built in 1906. The stage was erected in a former ballroom for the Berlin elite at the beginning of the last century. The grandeur of yesteryear revives in the theatre café with a renovated oak parquet, red velvet curtains and a grand balcony. Even the toilets still have Art Nouveau details in place, a feast for the senses, well, in any case, visually.

One can nip at a prosecco, a gin & tonic or a beer at the candlelit tables during the show. A snack is also possible. How about a grilled falafel sandwich, bruschetta, or Burgundy beef stew? Service continues during the show.

The doors open 45 minutes before the start of the show. Guests can linger for at least an hour after the performance has finished.

Showtime in the theatre

A new show is staged every few to six months. So get ready for guitars and drums to draw you into the story, whilst acrobats reminiscent of Olympic gold medallists appear to be on speed.