Chameleon

Show details

About this event

Part great night out, part cathartic therapy session, this wild and entertaining ride explores the twists and turns of the human psyche with razor-sharp wit, soulful music and disarming honesty.

Chameleon is a hilarious and heartfelt cabaret that dives headfirst into the ups and downs of modern life and mental wellbeing — from dating disasters and fitness fads to the unforgettable tension of a high school reunion.

Through original blues-infused songs and vivid, deeply personal narratives, award winning artist Karen Lee Roberts brings Alexandra to life — a woman navigating the twists and turns of her own unique journey. With humour and authenticity at its core, Chameleon celebrates the messy, unpredictable, and often surprising path we all travel.

Joining her on stage is Mr Sunshine — Dr Jeff Usher, a jazz and blues legend — whose rich, soulful accompaniment adds warmth and depth, guiding the audience through a story of growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

Show details

15 - 19 Sep | 1 hour
Venue: Marrickville Town Hall - Festival Hub - The Safe Room

Performance notes

Sydney Premiere
Content warnings: Discussion of Suicide, Content Related to Mental Health/Ill-health, Depiction of Sexual Acts, Discussion of self harm
Performance accessibility:
Friday 18 Sep

Venue details & accessibility

Marrickville Town Hall - Festival Hub - The Safe Room

303 Marrickville Road, Marrickville 2204 (Wangal/Gadigal Country)
Telephone: (02) 9392 5000

Accessibility

Reviews

"...deeply raw and personal/Chameleon absolutely deserved the standing ovation it received." Harmonie Downes, Nothing Ever Happens In Brisbane https://www.nothingeverhappensinbrisbane.com/words/chameleon-karen-lee-roberts

"Playful, considerate, and clever, Chameleon is a quiet achievement of notable honesty and ambition. In a society that demands you change your colours to fit in, Chameleon’s vulnerability will envelop your heart with permission to be yourself. " Patrick Gunasekera, seesaw Magazine https://www.seesawmag.com.au/2023/01/kaleidoscopic-cabaret-shines-light-on-lonely-places

"Life may be a cabaret (“old chum”)*, but Roberts and Usher ably demonstrate that cabaret is also the perfect form to provoke discussions about life’s highs and lows." Catherine Lawrence, University of QLD https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fjRNuoiyEOGSRRIeNWycu0QQCgk1sNeS/view?usp=sharing