In Showdown, seven acrobats compete against each other every evening in a hyper-competitive talent show to be crowned the "Face of the Circus". Led by an ever-smiling presenter, the audience is invited to take part, vote and help decide who wins the coveted prize. As the game progresses, we learn more and more about the contestants' individual and shared experiences, see connections and conflicts emerge as they gradually begin to question the game...
Powerful and approachable, Showdown uses narrative contemporary circus to take a satirical look at today's casting show culture and the commercialization of identity that comes with it. Outstanding acrobatics are combined with sharply witty spoken word elements penned by rising comedy star Athena Kugblenu and accompanied by a rousing soundtrack of UK hip hop, grime and Afrobeat by London-based musician Afrikan Boy.
Showdown is the first collaboration between the award-winning British company Upswing and the Chameleon and is a playful exploration of power and competition that keeps us engaged and laughing.
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