About Us
THE DAMES is a Berlin-based performance duo created by two transgender sisters, combining live music, contemporary cabaret, performance art and autobiographical storytelling. Performing at the piano and on vocals, they create original productions exploring identity, transformation, chosen family and collective resilience. Their work moves fluidly between concert, cabaret and theatre, blending humour, vulnerability, extravagance and poetic storytelling. Rather than treating gender as a subject of debate, THE DAMES approach it through lived experience, transforming personal stories into reflections on change, belonging and freedom.
Formats
Variety Act – Short pop up performance
Cabaret Show – hosting a long format show with performances which relate to a central theme. Can be with special guests and audience participation.
Theatre Production – A long format show with a dramaturgical concept, set pieces, costume, and performance. Can be with special guests.
The Dames’ World
Collaboration is central to their practice, bringing together drag artists, musicians, dancers, circus performers and multidisciplinary artists from Berlin’s independent scene. THE DAMES have performed at venues including Berlin’s Volksbühne, where they curated the 2025 New Year’s Eve programme, and are developing new work with Théâtre Grrranit and Les Dominicains de Haute-Alsace.
Shows
Voyage de Genre
A musical voyage from femininity to masculinity, through spirituality. A ritualistic gathering weaving glamour, grit, and heart into an unforgettable spectacle. With burlesque icon Chiqui Love, circus extraordinaire Jade Lee, and drag-king legend Bridge Markland.
Ballhaus Ost – 22-24 May 2026
Ballhaus Ost 16 & 18 October 2025
The Dames Sylvester
A Big Gay Countdown on the main stage of The Volksbühne. An evening of ceremony, celebration, and song. WIth live music from The Dames, Angel Maxine, Kaleo, Legion 7, Dornika, and Mad Kate and the Tide, with an afterparty from Lunchbox Candy.
31 December 2025
An Evening With The Dames
An evening of cabaret with trans sisters, Nancy and Eve. The Dames take you on a journey through music and memory through piano and song.
Bar Jeder Vernunft February 20 and May 11 2027
Les Soeurs des Beauxcheries
The Dames invite their Berlin sisters to join them in a theatrical spectacle about the world famous underground queer culture of Germany’s capital city.
Theatre de Grrranit February 4 2027. Les Dominicaines Haute Alsace April 1 2027
ANYWAYWEGO
A journey inspired by the myth of Icarus retold through the prism of trans-femmininie experience. Inspired by folk music with complete original score.
Theatre du Grrranit April 30 2027
Archive
2027
International Kulturborse Freiburg, Theatre du Grrranit, Les Dominicaines Haute Alsace, Bar Jeder Vernunft
2026
Winner of Best Musical Act of 2025 at SPAT! Awards. Les Dominicaines Haute Alsace, Klunkercranich, Ballhaus Ost, Fusion Festival, Theatre du Grrranit, Dock 11.
2025
Chez Olympe (Paris), La Bouche (Paris), Ballhaus Ost, Red Dawn Festival (Ljubljana), Tipsy Bear, Zum Starken August, Wintergarten, UFA Fabrik, Volksbühne Roter Salon, KISR Festival, Les Dominicaines, Volksbühne Main Stage
2024
Kink, The Knast, Lunchbox Candy, Monster Ronsons, Soho House, Tipsy Bear, Volksbühne Roter Salon, Whole Festival, Zum Starken August
2023
Birgit & Bier, Cabaret Saccage, Soho House, Tipsy Bear, UDK Symposium Weiblichkeit, Zum Starken August
2022
Monster Ronson’s, Tipsy Bear