POPPERFACE

POPPERFACE aka Gareth Chambers disrupts traditional choreographic methodologies, creating performances deeply rooted in working-class experience, queer masculinity, and radical individualism. His practice draws inspiration from MMA, Jiu Jitsu , Contemporary Dance and Opera, forging a physical and emotionally charged movement language that is visceral and raw.

His dance training began at Coleg Sir Benfro in West Wales, followed by Guzel School of Ballet in Swansea. He went on to study at Trinity Laban in London and HZT in Berlin, with further training at The Place, London. His experience includes working with Volcano Theatre Company and Florentina Holzinger, and studying Gaga movement language with Ohad Naharin in Israel. 

In 2017, he received the DanceWeb Scholarship to participate in ImPulsTanz in Vienna, training with leading international artists.

In 2021, he served as Associate Director for Welsh National Opera and was a Jerwood Fellow. The first installment of his POPPERFACE trilogy, REVENGE, premiered at Chapter Arts and The Place in 2023 Its sequel, GOONERS had a sneak peek showing at Transform 25 and remains in development.

As a performer and collaborator, POPPERFACE has worked with Doris Ulrich, Malik Sharpe, Eve Stainton, Blackhaine, and Anushiye Yarnell, He has performed at leading venues including The Place, Wales Millennium Centre, Hull Truck Theatre, Chapter Arts Centre , ICA, and Laban theatre.