The Birth of a "Freak"
One of my favorite early series from HBO’s golden years was called Carnivale. Created by Daniel Knauf, himself recently arrived at HBO, Carnivale was a historical and supernatural fiction centered around a traveling carnival in 1930s United States. The storyline explored the classic theme of good versus evil but flipped the concept to offer viewers food for thought.
Sixteen years later, this series still haunts me in the best way. The images of belly dancers, fortune tellers, and other bearded women have left a vivid memory in my mind, depicting a unique and evocative universe where appearances are deceiving and nature's “mistakes” can finally shine.
A motley cast of performers, “curious beasts” and other outsiders, traveling from town to town, erecting ephemeral temples with their stages and tents, bringing wonder, amazement, and excitement to curious and thrill-seeking audiences… These images have always sparked my curiosity.
This reflection on what makes a “freak”, a “curious beast” or an “outsider” has never left me. What others find strange or disturbing, I have always found unique and exciting. I suppose that's why Tod Browning's film, Freaks, had such an effect on me the first time I saw it. The famous “one of us, one of us” is a bit how I've always felt. Well, I have neither beard nor third leg, but there has always been a “freak” side in me just waiting to burst into the open!
It's been almost ten years since Carnivale came out, and since then I have let my inner “freak” out by becoming a burlesque dancer. Though its origins are varied, burlesque has always had close ties to circus, carnivals, and fairs.
This often funny and always colorful world, filled with glitter, faux diamonds, and real feathers, is a delight for the eyes and intrigues us with its symbolism of desires often buried within us. You have to be a little crazy to get on stage and strip in front of everyone; how do these women (and men) dare behave this way?!
The answer is very simple: once you decide your inner freak has a place in the outside world, anything is possible. There is a real freedom in wholeheartedly accepting what others find “strange” - this freedom allows you to reveal yourself to the world and play with abandon. Of course, I am aware it's easier said than done; many people face difficult physical and mental challenges to overcome. But even as a spectator, for all those ready to explore the hidden parts of human nature, there is so much beauty (and joy) to be found!
So we knew exactly what we wanted to create with our Amazing Traveling Imaginarium. Keeping Carnivale and Freaks in mind, we decided it was time to revive these two worlds in our own way, to fully embrace the fantastic freaks we are and help as many people as possible bring out or amplify their own inner freak so we can all shine!