The Revenge of Popperface
Popperface (Gareth Chambers)
About The Revenge of Popperface
Popperface returns from the dead, the puffed-up, blue-lipped embodiment of excessive amyl nitrate (poppers) consumption.
This shadow-self or alter ego of artist Gareth Chambers invites you to bear witness to the crafting of personal mythologies through dance, mixed martial arts and boxing, in an experimental exploration of masculinity. The occult and operatic throb together, working towards a subterranean crescendo, while bathed in the stretched song of French disco pioneer (and muse of Salvador Dali), Amanda Lear.
The Revenge of Popperface draws on research and development undertaken in Hull, Nottingham and lockdown, crystallised for audiences at Chapter Arts Centre, and presented with the support of Arts Council Wales.
As the last Jerwood associate director for Welsh National Opera, Gareth Chambers made his film directorial debut with The Mystery of Evil an opera horror film featuring the score of Richard Strauss’ Salome. Work has been shown throughout the UK, Australia and Germany.
Supported by Horizon: Performance Created in England
About Gareth Chambers (Popperface)
Gareth Chambers (aka Popperface) transgresses traditional choreographic making methodologies to create performances based heavily in working class experience, queer masculinity and libertarianism. He was a Jerwood Fellow 2022 and is currently a Horizon 2023 artist. Gareth’s work has been showcased in Australia, Berlin, London and Vienna and he currently resides in his hometown of Hull.
Cast and Creatives
Choreographer: Popperface (Gareth Chambers)
Performing Collaborators: Richard Pye and Joseph Grey Adams
Sound Artist: Cathedral Hygiene
Partners: Chapter Arts Centre, Arts Council Wales, Arts Council England and Absolutely Cultured.
