Panoptikum is a visually stunning dance and physical theatre experience full of macabre moments and arresting movement. Lenka Vagnerová & Company from the Czech Republic have brought previously highly regarded shows to the Fringe, so expectations are high—and we are not disappointed.
Lenka Vagnerová, an award-winning choreographer, has created a show that drags us into the underbelly of the 19th-century ‘curiosity sideshows’. We meet characters inspired by sideshow figures such as the bearded lady, conjoined twins, a snake-charmer contortionist, and a person with visible physical differences who is subjected to the cruel scrutiny of onlookers.
A strong soundscape composed by Ivan Acher and sound designer Eva Svobodová powers Panoptikum forward, immersing us into this strange world. The space is perfect for this: a vast, echoing hall hung with long, washed-out grey cloths that are lifted back to frame key moments. The darkness of this world is enforced by very effective lighting designed by Michal Kříž and adapted by Jan Hugo Hejzlar. For instance, it fools us into believing one of the dancers has lost their legs, which then stumble around beyond their reach.
There are 19th-century magical theatre techniques employed that genuinely amaze us—even in our modern scientific world. For example, a large mirror is used to morph a dancer’s face into another, then shimmer between both. At another point, a disembodied head sings opera from atop an empty curtained box, and I still can’t work out how they did it.
The costumes by Simona Rybáková and Jakub Kopecký are visually arresting, referencing old prints of ‘sideshows’ and crafted to enhance movement using black materials, exaggerated makeup, and padding, etc.
I wasn’t always entirely sure of the narrative, but it didn’t actually matter—the dancing absorbs you. Lenka Vagnerová’s choreography is fascinating: flowing movements contrast with jerking strangeness, often highlighted with strategically odd sounds. The action flows from one scenario and dance to the next. Sometimes, I felt a scenario went on just a bit too long with repetitive actions. However, the power play between characters, and the comeuppance at the conclusion, drew us deeper into the weirdness.
Panoptikum will keep you absorbed and fascinated and deserves all the praise that will undoubtedly be heaped upon it. I recommend you see it before the run sells out—you won’t regret it, although your dreams may be a little disturbed after.
